Karpman's Dramatic Triangle

American psychotherapist, doctor of medicine and student of Eric Berne, Stephen Karpman described a psychological and social model of interaction between people in 1968. He originally called his scheme "The Dramatic Triangle", but afterwards his name stuck to it.

Karpman's triangle is a model of conflict communication, on the basis of which co-dependent relationships are formed. Three roles are distinguished in this model: victim, rescuer, persecutor.

Each position in a conflict situation has its own benefits:

• The victim shifts responsibility to other people.
• The rescuer begins to feel his importance by helping others.
• The persecutor stabilizes his self-esteem through a position of power.

The Karpman triangle is applicable to teamwork, school, and family relationships.

Do you want to know what position you take most often in conflict situations? Then press the "start" button!