From Childhood Emotional Abuse to Wellbeing: Pathways of Maladaptive and Adaptive Schemas in Trauma Recovery
Tracks
Ballroom 1 - Virtual via OnAIR
| Tuesday, June 23, 2026 |
| 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM |
Overview
Loretta Morgan, Bond University
Details
The study identified three key learnings. First, emotional abuse was the most damaging trauma type, strongly predicting complex trauma symptoms and lower recovery and wellbeing. Second, maladaptive schemas, particularly defectiveness, and DSO symptoms acted as key mechanisms linking trauma to poor outcomes, underscoring the importance of addressing negative self-beliefs in treatment. Third, adaptive schemas such as optimism, self-reliance, and social belonging promoted resilience, recovery, and wellbeing. These findings highlight that trauma recovery involves not only reducing maladaptive patterns but also cultivating adaptive schemas that restore safety, self-worth, and connection, fostering long-term wellbeing and trauma recovery.
Presenter
Mrs Loretta Morgan
Phd Candidate
Bond University
From Childhood Emotional Abuse to Wellbeing: Pathways of Maladaptive and Adaptive Schemas in Trauma Recovery
Biography
Loretta Morgan is a PhD Candidate at Bond University and holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). Her research and clinical interests centre on childhood and complex trauma, domestic and relational violence, trauma recovery, and wellbeing.
Loretta’s doctoral work examines the pathways from childhood emotional abuse to trauma recovery and wellbeing, with a particular focus on the roles of maladaptive and adaptive schemas and the protective factors that foster resilience and recovery. Her broader research goal is to inform evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches that promote healing and long-term wellbeing in individuals and communities affected by early adversity.
