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Foundations

Couples cycle

Section from the interactive two-leg model reference: attachment and assertiveness legs, coping modes under stress, and tools that support balance.

Psychoeducation only. Concepts here support self-understanding and conversations with a qualified professional; they are not a clinical diagnosis or mode inventory score.
All sectionsCoping cardMode map

Couples dyadic mode cycle

When two partners' coping modes trigger each other's vulnerable children, a cycle forms. Understanding the cycle helps both partners see the pattern rather than blaming each other.

COUPLES MODE CYCLE

Pursue / Withdraw Cycle

Pursue / Withdraw Cycle — Jordan in Vulnerable Child mode, Alex in Detached Protector modeJordanVulnerable ChildFear of abandonment, lonelinessNeed: Reassurance of connectionCoping response:Protests, asks repeatedly "Are we okay?"triggersAlexDetached ProtectorOverwhelmed, inadequateNeed: Space to regulate without blameCoping response:Withdraws to office, gives one-word answerstriggerscycle repeats, escalatesJordan's vulnerable coreBeneath the vulnerable child is:"I'm afraid Alexwill leave me"Alex's vulnerable coreBeneath the detached protector is:"I can't make Jordanhappy"BREAKING THE CYCLEPartner A names need softly without protest behaviors. Partner B agrees to return in 20 min with presence.Focus on the cycle, not blame. Both patterns make sense given history.
Pursue / Withdraw Cycle — dyadic mode cycle between Jordan and Alex
PartnerModeCopingCore Fear
JordanVulnerable ChildProtests, asks repeatedly "Are we okay?"I'm afraid Alex will leave me
AlexDetached ProtectorWithdraws to office, gives one-word answersI can't make Jordan happy
Couples dyadic mode cycle — teaching example after Roediger. Shows how each partner's coping triggers the other's vulnerable child, creating a loop. NOT scored from YSQ-R Use the Mode Cycle Clashcard to build your own.

Official YSQ-3 long/short forms and other schema inventories are copyrighted by the Schema Therapy Institute and sold through their order center. Theory and inventory overview: Schema Therapy Institute. This portal uses a Rasch YSQ-R style implementation for self-reflection—not those licensed forms.