The Drama triangle is a common term that is connected to management and its practices. The common people may not know about the Drama triangle. However, it is important to know about it as the pattern may be visible in our day-to-day life. This can be seen especially in offices, etc and it might not be known to the people who might be in the given trap.
Therefore, this blog will state all the knowledge that it has related to the Drama triangle. The Karpman drama triangle is an important concept, and one must know it in all forms. Therefore, read and get through the blog thoroughly and know all about the Drama triangle. This will be beneficial for you in the long run.
What is the Drama Triangle?
The Drama Triangle was known to be first described by Stephen Karpman. This was back in the 1960s and this is why it is also known as the Karpman triangle. It is a model of dysfunctional social interactions and it very effectively, illustrates a power game. This notably involves the three roles which is the Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor. Each of these roles are known to represent a common and ineffective response to conflict.
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The journey around the triangle can be done with the self properly. It can also be done with the another. This, that is the another can include a spouse, child, co-worker, and an endless list of another’s.
Also, it is known to all that most of us are neurologically programmed to play these three roles. Thus, through this, we consciously or unconsciously choose one role which is suited or given to the particular context regarding the triangle of drama.
Exploring the Three Roles of the Drama Triangle
Now that you know a little about the drama triangle, it is important that you understand the three roles that are present in it. The three roles that are the Victim, Rescuer, and the Persecutor of the Drama triangle can be well understood if somebody just looks at them at face value.
However, it is much more than it and this is why understanding the three roles that are present in the Drama triangle are important. This will let you know about the three roles in complete detail. Thus, you will not miss out on anything and go on to have a better understanding about the Drama triangle.
Victim
Victims, as specified in the Drama triangle, can often feel victimized. They can also feel trapped, helpless, and hopeless. They also think that they are at the mercy of life and are unwilling to take responsibility for their undesirable circumstances. Plus, they do not think that they have the power to change their lives.
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The victims are often known to assume themselves as powerless or incompetent. They effectively and strongly blame the Persecutors and constantky seek for Rescuers to solve the problem for them.
If the Victims continue to stay in their shell of ‘dejected’ stance, then it might be bad for them. This is because this mindset will prevent them from making decisions. They will not be able to solve problems, change the current state, or sensing any feeling of satisfaction or achievement.
Rescuer
Rescuers are constantly known to intervene on behalf of the Victims. These category of people try to save Victims from the perceived harm. They also feel guilty of standing by and ‘watching people drown’. Rescuers are known to have all the good intention and strive to ‘help’ other people as they see it to be necessary.
However, they fail to realize that by offering short-term fixes to Victims, they keep them dependent. This is harmful as they eventually, neglect their own needs. This is the main reason why rescuers often find themselves pressured, and tired. They may also not have the time to finish their own task. This is because they are busy firefighting for the Victims as their problems keep arising.
Persecutor
Persecutors are known to like ‘Critical Parents’ who are strict and firm and are known to set strong boundaries. They also tend to think that they must win at any cost and in any situation. This part of the drama triangle always blames the Victims and criticizes the behavior of the Rescuers.
All of this is done disrespectfully without providing the appropriate guidance, assistance or a solution to the existing problem. They are known to be quite critical and good at finding fault. They also bring forward control with order and rigidity. Plus, they keep the Victims oppressed in a bad way and sometimes can be a bully.
How to Stay Away from Being a Part of the Drama Triangle?
Being a part of the drama triangle is easy as it just requires you to be either a controlling person, a too good to be true person or an angel who cannot see people in pain. However, having these attributes are quite bad as it in the long run will affect you very badly.
This means that if you are effectively a part of this Drama triangle and dwell on the roles, then it might be very bad. Thus, to not be a part of the Drama triangle, you must know some tips to stay away from it. Below are a few of them.
1. Be kind but not at your own risk!
You can be kind, empathetic, loving, caring, and a lot of good things! You can also choose to be very good and, thus, display it in the best form! However, choose not to do so at your own expense. This means that if you want to rest, then go forward with it. Do not beat yourself up or force yourself to help the other at your own expense. Remember, service to self is important, too.
2. Accept your mistakes! But do not beat yourself up for it!
It is okay if you make mistakes. This is because you can always rectify them after knowing where you committed the mistake and on which part. However, do not continue to gaslight yourself to believe that mistakes are all that you can afford to do and bring forward. Therefore, accept your mistakes, rectify them, and, most importantly, be kind to yourself. Love yourself as you are and as you are becoming.
3. Bring on the authority when needed! Nobody likes it when you are being an extremist!
Nobody likes a highly authoritative person. Plus, in the drama triangle too such a person creates a lot of issues for the people who are surrounding them. Their demeanour is of such form that even if they hold the best interest for others, they are labelled as a bad person. All of this comes forth because of their bad attitude. Thus, be authoritative but not an extremist authoritative person.
How to Break Free from the Circle of the Drama Triangle?
There are multiple ways to break free from the drama triangle. Therefore, you must take care of all these points and bring it on in your daily life. Neither you nor I like a toxic setting. This is because it can affect our mental being and gradually, our health. Thus, taking note of the following tips to break free from the cycle is a good option.
1. Respond with a no whenever needed!
Be bold and say no whenever needed. Be strong at your feet and make sure you do not compromise or think of doing so. You need to stand strong on your decision. Not for a moment or for a minute or for a second should you think of saying a yes or thinking, ‘oh, I should compromise.’
2. Take legal steps if required!
Human rights are not a joke and maintaining them is the real big deal. Therefore, if you have someone in your circle or if its you then make sure you take legal steps against the person who is demeaning you. By no means, should you compromise on anything.
3. Terminating the relationship!
Terminate the relationship you have with the firm then and there if things are being too bad for you. make sure you stand with your decision and do it thoroughly, properly, effectively and broadly. It takes a lot of time to gather up the courage to move away from toxicity. However, when you think of moving yourself out, then do so whole heartedly.
Conclusion
Thus, this is all you should know about the Drama triangle. The Drama triangle, by all means, is truly important, and you must, by all means, consider everything in it. You must also take action to come out from the Drama triangle if you are a part of it. Therefore, recognize the patterns today and take the necessary steps needed.
FAQ’S
What is the Drama triangle?
Ans: The drama triangle is known to be like a power game.
What are the three components of a Drama triangle?
Ans: The three components are Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor.
Who discovered it?
Ans: Stephen Karpman
