Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What are the roles identified in Stephen Karpman's Drama Triangle?

1. Victim, judge, rescuer

2. Persecutor, rescuer, victim

3. Co-victim, supporter, bystander

4. Persecutor, antagonist, guide

The correct answer is: Persecutor, rescuer, victim

In the framework established by Stephen Karpman, the Drama Triangle defines three roles that individuals might adopt in interpersonal conflict: the Persecutor, the Rescuer, and the Victim. Each role plays a specific part in the dynamics of relational conflict and emotional manipulation. The Persecutor role typically embodies control and criticism, often blaming others for issues and attempting to maintain dominance in interactions. The Rescuer seeks to help and support the Victim, but this often involves enabling behaviors that do not empower the victim to help themselves. Finally, the Victim feels oppressed or powerless, sometimes eliciting sympathy from the Rescuer while avoiding responsibility for their circumstances. Understanding these roles is crucial for counselors and therapists as it helps them identify maladaptive patterns in relationships and encourage healthier communication and conflict resolution strategies. This model allows for recognition of when individuals may be caught in a cycle where they shift roles in response to each other, contributing to ongoing distress. The other options presented do not accurately represent Karpman's roles. Although they contain some elements of interpersonal dynamics, they do not align with the established terminology of the Drama Triangle. This distinction is essential for accurately discussing and applying this psychological model in counseling settings.