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Foundations

Mode map

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

Mode map structure

Source: Roediger (2012), figures 6.2 and 6.3. Vertical axis: functional/integrated (top) to dysfunctional/disintegrated (bottom). Horizontal: internalizing/submissive (left) to externalizing/dominant (right). Avoidant sits bottom center.

The interactive coordinate template below matches the reference diagram on Schema profile and the YSQ-R clinical report (when you are signed in, the same template can show your YSQ-R–derived mode instrument scores). Use the ASCII outline after it for a text-only checklist.

Coordinate mode map template (conceptual)Vertical axis from dysfunctional and disintegrated at the bottom to functional and integrated at the top. Horizontal spectrum along the bottom from internalizing and submissive on the left, through avoidant in the center, to externalizing and dominant on the right. Top row: four integrative mode placeholders. Middle: vulnerable and angry child on the left, tension and stress in the center, parent-mode beliefs toward self and others on the right. Bottom row: four maladaptive coping mode placeholders. Solid arrows show flows into tension and from tension into coping. Dashed arrows suggest possible movement back toward integrative modes during therapy.FunctionalintegratedDysfunctionaldisintegratedInternalizing / submissiveAvoidantExternalizing / dominantFlexible changeIntegrative modes (Healthy Adult & Happy Child)CooperationSelf-controlSelf-careSelf-efficacyChild modes (emotions)Parent modes (beliefs)Vulnerable Childattachment · fear / sadnessAngry Childassertiveness · disgust / angerToward selfpunitive / demanding criticToward othershostile / entitled criticTension/ stressMaladaptive coping modesCompliantsurrenderDetachedprotectorDetachedself-sootherOvercompensator/ dominanceSolid: typical activation flow (conceptual)Dashed: possible reintegration in therapy
Coordinate mode map — region order for screen readers
RegionRole
Integrative rowCooperation, self-control, self-care, self-efficacy
Child modesVulnerable child; angry child
CenterTension and stress hub
Parent modesBeliefs toward self; beliefs toward others
Coping rowCompliant surrender; detached protector; detached self-soother; overcompensator
Coordinate mode map — teaching reference after Roediger (couples module style). Fill the interactive mode map with personal examples; this template is not scored from the YSQ-R.
Coordinate mode map — region order (for screen readers and study)
RegionRole
Integrative rowCooperation, self-control, self-care, self-efficacy (Healthy Adult / satisfied child modes)
Child modesVulnerable child; angry child (emotions and needs)
CenterTension and stress hub
Parent modesBeliefs toward self; beliefs toward others
Coping rowCompliant surrender; detached protector; detached self-soother; overcompensator
INTEGRATIVE MODES (top row):
  - Cooperation
  - Self-control
  - Self-care
  - Self-efficacy

DYSFUNCTIONAL BELIEFS — PARENT MODES:
  - Directed to self (Punitive/Demanding Critic)
  - Directed to others (projected critic)

BASIC EMOTIONS — CHILD MODES:
  - Vulnerable Child (Attachment) → Fear, Sadness, Panic, Loneliness
  - Angry Child (Assertiveness) → Disgust, Anger, Entitlement

TENSION / STRESS (central trigger node)

MALADAPTIVE COPING MODES:
  - Compliant Surrender (left — internalizing)
  - Detached Protector (center-left — avoidant)
  - Detached Self-soother (center-right — avoidant)
  - Overcompensator / Dominance (right — externalizing)

Filled example (couples context, Figure 6.3 style)

Illustrative formulation for training — how a person might fill the interactive mode map with personal examples. This is not scored from YSQ-R; it shows concrete scenarios for each region.

Coordinate mode map with personal examples — Alex's patternA filled-in example of the Roediger-style coordinate mode map showing personal scenarios for Alex. Each region contains specific, concrete examples rather than generic labels. This demonstrates how to populate the interactive mode map with personal content. NOT scored from YSQ-R — for teaching and reflection only.FunctionalintegratedDysfunctionaldisintegratedInternalizing / submissiveAvoidantExternalizing / dominantEXAMPLE: Alex's Personal Mode Map (Not Scored)Healthy Adult responses (when grounded)Asks Jordan to pausewhen tension risesTakes a walkto self-regulateJournals feelingsbefore reactingNames need softly"I feel distant..."Vulnerable Child (personal triggers)Inner Critic messagesWhen Jordan is late homeFear: "They're losing interest" Body: chest tight, checking phoneWhen plans change last minuteAnger: "My time isn't valued" Urge to snap or withdraw coldlyToward self after conflict"You ruined it again""Why can't you just be normal?" Toward Jordan when distant"They should KNOW I need them""This proves they don't care" Tension buildswhen Alexfeels Jordan pullingaway or criticizingText goes unansweredPlans cancelledSelf-blame starts"They don't care" Clings, apologizesNumbs outBinge-watchesSnaps, defendsMaladaptive coping — how Alex respondsSends multiple texts"Are you mad?"(clinging)Goes silentwithdraws to bedroom(shutting down)Scrolls phoneavoids eye contact(distracting)Counter-attacks"YOU never listen"(defending)Notice: "I'm triggered" Take 20-min breakJournal the needReturn with: "I felt scared when..."Solid: Alex's typical activation flowDashed: Recovery path back to Healthy AdultEXAMPLE TEMPLATEFill your own interactive mode map in schema profile
Coordinate mode map with personal examples — Alex's filled-in pattern
RegionPersonal Example
Integrative (Healthy Adult)Asks to pause, takes walks, journals, names needs softly
Vulnerable ChildWhen Jordan is late: fear of losing interest, chest tight, checking phone
Angry ChildWhen plans change: anger that time isn't valued, urge to snap
Inner Critic (toward self)After conflict: "You ruined it again" / "Why can't you be normal?"
Inner Critic (toward others)When Jordan is distant: "They should KNOW I need them"
Tension triggersUnanswered texts, cancelled plans, self-blame, "they don't care" thoughts
Maladaptive copingClings/apologizes, goes silent, scrolls phone to avoid, counter-attacks
Recovery strategiesNotice trigger, take 20-min break, journal need, return with vulnerable statement
Coordinate mode map — teaching example after Roediger (couples module style). This shows how Alex might fill the interactive mode map with personal examples. NOT scored from YSQ-R Create your own in the schema profile.

ASCII version (text-only reference):

Cooperation:       Accepting husband's dates; making the best of it
Self-control:      Getting detached from her anger
Self-care:         Soothing and distracting herself; making the waiting time pass
Self-efficacy:     Making clear appointments with her husband

Vulnerable Child:  Panic, sadness, feeling hurt, lonely (Abandonment)
Angry Child:       Anger at being rejected (Entitlement)

Parent mode (self): "You're not important. Don't make a fuss about everything." (Punitiveness)
Parent mode (other): "If you don't fight for your rights, he'll walk over you. Make a scene."

Compliant Surrender:     "I have to surrender to be lovable. Having sex with husband to please him."
Detached Protector:      "Thinking about her job and feeling nothing while having sex."
Detached Self-soother:   "Binge drinking and excessive shopping."
Overcompensator:         "Starting arguments. Yelling and screaming. Bossing her husband."

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.