Relationship schema formulation: role-relationship models and intrapsychic conflict

Recurrent maladaptive interpersonal relationship patterns are a central characteristic of the personality disorders and the main focus in dynamic, cognitive, and family psychotherapies. In dynamic formulations the emphasis is on examining conflict in terms of opposing wishes, fears, and defenses. Such formulations can take place at various levels of information, involving ideas, emotions, self and objects. This paper presents a system for formulating intrapsychic conflicts at the level of person schemas (Horowitz 1988a). It uses units called Role-Relationship Models (RRM).