Abstract

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an effective model of psychotherapy. The central concept of IFS is the Self, characterized by compassion, calm, and courage. The Self is theorized to reduce adult mental health problems and strengthen intimate relationships. The current study examined the associations between Self-Leadership and adult symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and dissociation as well as relational outcomes including positive relationship quality, negative relationship quality, and attributions. Results indicate that Self-Leadership was uniquely associated with of all mental and relational health outcomes. Helping clients increase Self-Leadership can reduce mental health symptoms and strengthen adult intimate relationships.