Defectiveness Schema

The defectiveness schema is characterized by a belief that you are internally damaged, bad, or inferior. People with this schema often feel they would be rejected if others truly knew them.

You might have this schema if you frequently experience:

• Chronic feelings of being "not good enough"
• Shame about perceived flaws or weaknesses
• Fear of being discovered or exposed
• Difficulty accepting compliments or praise
• Self-criticism and harsh inner dialogue
• Hiding your true self from others

Here are some common ways defectiveness schema shows up in daily life:

• •Believing you don't deserve good things or success
• •Feeling like an impostor even when you're qualified
• •Avoiding intimacy for fear others will see your "flaws"
• •Constantly comparing yourself negatively to others
• •Apologizing excessively or taking blame for things not your fault

Defectiveness Schema often co-occurs with these other schemas: