ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the author’s use of the concept of Internal Working Models (IWMs) and describes the two supportive/unsupportive systems. These two systems support the other five to function more effectively in some circumstances, and in others impair their capacity to do so. John Bowlby’s view of IWM is largely taken from what he said in Attachment, in which he discusses the development of behavioural systems building up to a discussion of working models. Bowlby considered that two working models are required: one of a person’s external environment and the other of his or her physical abilities to act and carry through any plans that are made. IWMs are integral to the functioning of both the external supportive/unsupportive (ES/U) and the internal supportive/unsupportive (IS/U) system. People endeavour to live a lifestyle in which the ES/U is supportive. The IS/U system can be considered to be a person’s internal environment or inner world.
