Family Roles

Family Roles

It is widely acknowledged that the effect that our family and chosen role model's has upon us is fundamental to our individual development.

In a dysfunctional or psychologically unhealthy family we inherit or develop negative roles or defence mechanisms that we can become trapped in. These are often manifested most when under stress or in a crisis situation where our learnt defence mechanisms become effective.

In contrast to functional or healthy families that foster positive development where trust, love and honest, open relationships thrive, dysfunctional families may produce insecurities and stop ‘normal’ development.

Commonly one or more members of the family, either parents or child will have some problem that affects the rest of the unit. They may be alcoholic, abusive, absent, neglectful, or possess some other disorder.

As in any family there is likely to be at least one ‘healthy’ individual who tries to compensate for the failings of those around them.

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The hero role is taken up to try and solve the problems in the short-term, by deflating the situation feeling that the issue has been dealt with. In reality the problem will probably still exist and the heroes will constantly find themselves fighting against it, taking on needless responsibility and feelings of inadequacy.
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The scapegoat believes that they are the cause of the problem(s) and develop complex defence mechanisms to combat these feelings, they may shun personal relationships, rebel against perceived threats including family and adopt feelings of guilt and shame.
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The lost child prefers to ignore the immediate situation and withdraw into a safe personal world in which no one can disturb them, isolating themselves from meaningful relationships.
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The mascot becomes a distraction, often apt at social situations and entertaining they prevent people from focusing upon the problem believing that it will solve itself rather than deal with painful tasks.

posted by Robert Heard at 9:35 AM