Foundations

Overview

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 sections Coping card Mode map

Plain language breakdown

Goal state "MWe":Healthy functioning integrates both needs — "Me" (assertiveness, autonomy) and "We" (attachment, connection) — flexibly balanced by Healthy Adult and Contented Child modes.

Two core needs in the model
Need	Direction	Qualities
Attachment ("blue leg")	Other-directed / We	Loving connection, trust, pro-social, belonging
Assertiveness ("red leg")	Self-centered / Me	Autonomy, self-efficacy, healthy boundaries

Four basic emotions (child modes): These fire when either core need is frustrated — fear/sadness with attachment threat (vulnerable child); disgust/anger with assertiveness threat (angry child).

Critic modes: Internal critical voices — directed at self (punitive/demanding critic) or at others (projected criticism, blame, contempt).

Three coping styles
Style	Mode name	Nervous system	Behavior
Submission	Compliant surrender	Fawn / freeze	Self-sacrifice, people-pleasing, follow
Withdrawing	Detached protector / self-soother	Flight / freeze	Emotional numbing, avoidance, distraction
Dominance	Overcompensator	Fight	Aggression, control, entitlement, overachievement

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.