Applying Schema Therapy to Chinese Culture: The Role of Authority
- Ng-Kessler Beatrice
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2
In many Asian countries, society tends to have a more hierarchical structure. In my previous article, I explained that hierarchical society is one of the impacts of Confucianism on Chinese culture. Respecting authority is considered the norm in this context and is regarded as a virtue. Across wider society and within families, seniors are often automatically viewed as figures of authority, not to mention roles such as teachers, parents, or individuals with higher social status. This expectation inevitably creates pressure that can limit freedom of expression.
In Schema Therapy, we aim to enhance the client’s ‘Healthy Adult Mode,’ which is defined as a mental state in which a person has a good understanding of their own emotions and needs and is able to communicate them adequately to others as necessary. When cultivating a ‘Healthy Adult Mode’ in the Asian context, the freedom to express one’s emotions often requires significant effort. Individuals from such backgrounds may have a longer journey toward developing a peaceful, accepting relationship with their emotions. Once they are in touch with how they feel, they can begin working through their emotions and understanding the unmet needs behind them. It is not uncommon for a schema therapist to work with a client to help them understand their complex emotions. One of the major obstacles to reaching this state is the role of authority.
In many Asian cultures, authority figures are automatically recognized based on their roles, such as seniority (by age or position at work), expertise (e.g., doctors, psychologists, teachers, coaches), or social status (e.g., socioeconomic standing). In some cultures, such as Japanese and Vietnamese, different pronouns are used to address these figures, further reinforcing hierarchical relationships. Simply put, respect is often equated with obedience to authority and viewing situations from the authority figure's perspective—let alone challenging their ideas. As a result, this dynamic limits the space available for individuals to safely share their feelings, often increasing emotional inhibition.
Additionally, as I elaborated in my first article, collectivistic cultures train individuals to see themselves as part of a group, which fosters submission. A qualitative study in Indonesia examining medical students’ responses to clinical dilemmas (Soemantri et al., 2021) highlighted how cultural background directly impacts perceptions of dilemmas and professionalism. The hierarchical workplace dynamic, combined with reactions to authority figures, creates pressure for students to report problems to their seniors, emphasizing the need for a clear systematic reporting structure to address these issues. Johnson et al. (2003), in their cross-cultural study on social desirability, found that collectivism is associated with a higher need for affiliation, conformity, and approval, as well as a reduced tendency toward self-disclosure—psychological constructs closely related to social desirability. Their research also concluded that social desirability can lead to various distortions in cross-cultural comparisons.
With stronger needs for approval, respect for authority figures through obedience and conformity, and affiliation with the larger group, people are encouraged to suppress their own opinions and emotions. In Schema Therapy, the Subjugation Schema refers to an individual’s tendency to avoid expressing their ideas and feelings to prevent rejection or criticism. The Emotional Inhibition Schema refers to an individual’s tendency to automatically constrict their emotions or view emotions as something negative.
To make things even more complicated, secondary emotions can form due to an aversion to one's primary emotions. For example, someone may feel guilty for feeling anger toward their parents. I will address this part in my next article in details.
When applying this knowledge in therapy, it is crucial to recognize that in many collectivistic cultures, therapists are automatically perceived as authority figures. This perception may, in fact, limit the client’s ability to express themselves authentically. In the Chinese context, for example, clients may focus more on showing respect for the therapeutic relationship rather than openly exploring substantive issues. A client may not feel free to express disagreement with a therapist or fully disclose their emotions.
A Western therapist may believe that creating a safe space for clients is as simple as openly inviting them to share their thoughts and feelings. However, for clients from different cultural backgrounds, such an invitation alone will not be enough. A therapist must pay close attention to how they foster a sense of safety, staying curious to the clients' experience, knowing when to slow down and check in to ensure the client feels comfortable enough to express themselves authentically.
For example, the therapist may need to patiently inquire about a client’s feelings, holding onto their perceptions or guesses long enough to closely observe and sense the client's possible emotions. Once the therapist names the client’s emotions, the client is likely to agree even that’s not exactly right, given that the therapist is seen as an authority figure. Many clients may not feel comfortable sharing certain feelings or thoughts with an authority figure (no matter how warm and kind the therapist may seem). Therefore, the therapist may need to help build the client’s vocabulary and confidence so they can express themselves more directly and precisely. In many cases, the therapist must also assist the client in building emotional tolerance, which facilitates the ability to connect with deeper feelings. (My next article will highlight this part in details) This process allows for understanding, processing, and transformation to take place
There are many nuances to consider in this process. Learning from role play in supervision is the best way to learn all these. My next article, will help you understand a little more of how to achieve it by working through Emotional Inhibition Schema among the Chinese clients.
Beatrice Ng-Kessler
Registered Clinical Psychologist (HK and UK)
Advance Certified Schema Therapist and Supervisor (ISST)
Certified Mindfulness Trainer from Canada
References
Johnson et al. (2003). Social Desirability in Cross-Cultural Research. Cross-Cultural Survey Methods.
Soemantri D, Greviana N, Findyartini A, Azzahra TB, Suryoadji KA, Mustika R, et al. (2021). “To obey or not to obey” – Medical students’ response towards professional dilemmas in a hierarchical and collectivist culture. PLoS ONE 16(12): e0261828. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261828
Kommentare