The Karpman drama triangle and human relationships

The Karpman drama triangle, also called the Karpman drama triangle, is a model of interpretation that arose within the framework of a psychotherapy called Transactional analysis. This model presents a diagram of destructive human interactions, which take place when two or more people are in conflict.

This model was first described once in 1968 and the person who designed it was Stephen Karpman. She initially raised it in an article called Fairy tales and drama script analysis. This theorist visualized three basic roles in these stories and that is how the drama triangle by Karpman.

Today, Karpman’s drama triangle has primarily therapeutic application.. This is a very functional scheme to which psychotherapy patients are usually very receptive. This facilitates awareness and commitment to change.

The Karpman drama triangle

In Karpman’s drama triangle, the existence of three roles is proposed. basics. These are assumed by the “inner self” in conflict situations., or when neurotic ties prevail. Such roles give rise, in turn, to “communication transactions” or to erroneous communications. Such transactions are called “psychological games.”

The three roles that make up Karpman’s drama triangle are:

Persecutor or accuser. It corresponds to those who feel they have the right or ability to judge others. They calibrate them, measure them, and often assign their conception of justice to the absolute. Generally, they suffer from a common illness: constant bad mood.Victim. It corresponds to those who adopt an attitude of fear and passivity towards what surrounds them. He feels that others treat him badly and that she doesn’t deserve it, but he doesn’t do anything to get out of this situation either.savior. He is the one who behaves like the one who should help others, even if they don’t ask him to. Their thing is to make themselves necessary to others and foster dependency. Usually, he doesn’t solve his own problems.

For Karpman’s drama triangle to conform, it is necessary that all three roles are present. However, there is usually an exchange of roles in those who establish this type of links.

Dynamics and role changes

As already noted, the links generated within Karpman’s drama triangle They give rise to a form of communication in which the so-called “psychological games” prevail.. These are false communicative exchanges that aim to install one of the dramatic roles or eliminate it.

Role changes often emerge from these psychological games.. The usual thing is that the rescuer, tired of “defending” the victim, at some point becomes his persecutor. Likewise, it is possible that the victim feels, at a certain moment, that she has the right to become the persecutor of her perpetrator or her rescuer.

The persecutor, for his part, often becomes the savior after an act of contrition. Those who are trapped in Karpman’s drama triangle do not feel well and so they try to change the situation. However, The only thing they achieve is to change roles. Deep down, the basic scheme of relationships remains intact.

The evolution in roles

One of the most difficult aspects is that those involved in Karpman’s drama triangle fail to see themselves as irrational victims, persecutors, or saviors. They believe that their role is perfectly logical and obeys compelling reasons. They see only part of the situation. The victim only sees that she is being mistreated. The persecutor only catches the mistakes and failures of others.

And the savior will hide behind supposed good intentions. What each of them needs is to develop some competence and/or skill. The pursuer would have to make an effort to be more assertive. That is, recognize your own needs and desires, refuse to satisfy desires and needs that are not your own, and renounce punishing others.

You would also have to develop the ability to teach and train. Avoid criticizing and comparing your knowledge with that of other people. Understand that each person has the resources they have and that each person is at a different moment in their life than yours.

The victim, for her part, would have to work more on her autonomy. Not only see the harm that others do to you, but also critically evaluate your response to this.. Likewise, you must develop your own ability to learn, avoid complaints and not use your vulnerability as an excuse, but as a starting point to grow.

Finally, the savior might be more empathetic. Learn to listen more to others and give up taking charge of problems that do not concern you. In this sense, he must develop the ability to let others solve their own problems.

How to get out of the Karpman drama triangle?

Getting out of the triangle and freeing yourself from codependency is possible, but it requires dedication and commitment. The first thing to do is Identify what role you are in. Become aware of how many times, unconsciously, you assume the attitudes and behavior of that role.

Once the role has been identified, action plans must be initiated that go against the behavioral pattern of said role. For example, the person who is in the role of savior must stop focusing so much on others, and give them space to make mistakes and solve their problems.

To conclude, Karpman’s drama triangle can map those destructive interactions we can have with people with whom we have a conflict. Most of us can play all three roles of the triangle depending on the particular context in which we find ourselves.

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