The Drama Triangle: An Attempt to Resurrect a Neglected Pathogenic Model in Family Therapy Theory and Practice

Among various models relevant to family theory and practice, two are relevant to both endeavors. The Attachment Model has been extremely fruitful in attracting world-wide attention and research. The Drama Triangle, on the other hand, composed by reactive and manipulative Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer roles—originating in 1968 by S. B. Karpman—has not received the attention and interest it deserves from the family therapy profession. This neglect has occurred in spite of its pervasive presence in fiction (movies and novels), religion and politics, and in the justice and legal systems. In real life, this triangle is evident where emotional, sexual, and physical abuse are present. Both models, however, have received prominence in relational competence theory (L’Abate & Cusinato, 2007). Its clinical applications to family therapy practice should yield ample dividends by conceptualizing dysfunctional processes in ways that could not be perhaps achieved through other known relational models, including attachment. Implications of this triangle for family practice are illustrated by the case of a family where this triangle was present.