Step Out of the Triangle

In 1968, Stephen Karpman developed the concept of the Drama Triangle. It says that when humans engage in conflict, they categorize people as victim, rescuer, or persecutor. The function is to simplify the complexity of emotions. But performance problems are rarely all or nothing. The triangle falsely offers clarity for action.

The persecutor is someone who deserves punishment.
The victim has no responsibility in the conflict.
The rescuer is the hero who stands up to evil and declares their solution unquestionably the best way to solve the problem.

Leaving the triangle requires awareness that it’s playing out—and distancing yourself from the roles and beliefs attached to each position. It means taking a step back and understanding that conflicts are differences in perspective and values. There are many ways to solve problems.

Depersonalize the conflict. Step toward the problem. Look for adjustments that disarm the tension and emotional energy that come from viewing the conflict as an impossible situation.

If you pay attention, you’ll start to see this pattern. And once you see it, you can choose to step out of it.

Want to learn more, solve problems better, and avoid getting stuck in the Drama Triangle? Our instructional keynotes, group trainings, one on one trainings, and coaching will help you leave the triangle and transform your performance with mental fitness you can apply tomorrow.