Internal Working Model

An internal working model is essentially a description of how people feel about themselves. The development of this model begins when a child is very young and is shaped by their interactions with the world and the people around them. For instance, if a child grows up with parents who are cold, distant, who don't interact with the child, and/or are negative with them the child will grow up with a negative working model of themselves. This could lead to the belief that they are "not good enough" or "not smart enough" to be worthy of love and affection. Likewise, if a child has grown up with acceptance and a loving environment they are more likely to develop an internal working model that results in high self-esteem and success.