Decoding negative treatment of self : comprehensive measurement and diverse presentations in socially anxious clients

Capaldi, Kay

Thesis

Decoding negative treatment of self : comprehensive measurement and diverse presentations in socially anxious clients

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Creator

Capaldi, Kay

Rights statement

Strathclyde Thesis Copyright

Awarding institution

University of Strathclyde

Date of award

2025

Thesis identifier

T17193

Person Identifier (Local)

201855435

Qualification Level

Doctoral (Postgraduate)

Qualification Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department, School or Faculty

Abstract

Navigating the landscape of self and emotion, and bridging the experience of self in relation to others, emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is a humanistic-experiential psychotherapy that has demonstrated efficacy in treating depression (Greenberg et al., 1990; 1998) and social anxiety (SA; Elliott et al., 2013). At the heart of social anxiety lie numerous conflicting self-identities, rooted in enduring feelings of inadequacy and shame. Adopting a deleterious self-critical stance, the array and complexity of inimical self-actions underscores the debilitating nature and therapeutic challenges of SA. While existing literature on the self-relationship has examined the global self-concept and constructs such as perfectionism and self-criticism, there remains a significant gap in comprehensively understanding and effectively measuring negative treatment of self (NTS). Drawing on archival data from SA clients undergoing EFT, this three-part mixedmethod study aimed to achieve several objectives: (a) evaluating the reliability and validity of the Self-Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ; Faur & Elliott, 2007); (b) comprehensively mapping the manifestations of NTS within-therapy discourse; (c) testing and validating the rational-empirical model of NTS proposed by Capaldi and Elliott (2023); and (d) exploring the amelioration of NTS observed by the conclusion of therapy. The findings confirmed the SRQ as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the self-relationship. The analysis extended beyond mapping the nuances of NTS therapy discourse, exploring its multifaceted dimensions, including self-dislike, detrimental self-actions, and their emotional effects, providing comprehensive insights into NTS. The empirical validation of the rational-empirical model of NTS was supported and expanded upon. The observed decrease in NTS by therapy's end further enhanced the model, highlighting significant improvements in client discourse about the self-relationship.

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