Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

Is the Karpman Drama Triangle Good for Resolving Conflicts?

Is the Karpman Drama Triangle Good for Resolving Conflicts?

Is the Karpman Drama Triangle Good for Resolving Conflicts?

"Clear, rational and positive talk turns conflict from a drain on time into a chance to build trust." – Chris Farmer, lead trainer

The Karpman Drama Triangle is NOT a good method to understand how to resolve conflicts, because the method instructs us which behaviours do NOT work, rather than telling us which behaviours do work.

Models which tell us which behaviours do NOT work, are of strictly limited value.

If we learn that the right answer to a problem is NOT nine, or ten, or fifteen, then how much useful knowledge have we gained?

Not much!

Karpman Drama Triangle

The Karpman Drama Triangle gives us three behaviours, which are represented by three points forming a triangle.

We are told that the space inside the triangle represents what NOT to do because these three behaviours do NOT work.

The solutions to our conflict problems are to be found OUTSIDE The Karpman drama triangle - "Somewhere".

The Three Behaviours of the Karpman Drama Triangle.

The three behaviours of the Karpman Drama Triangle are: Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor.

1. The Victim

In conflict situations, don't act as though you are a victim of others. This only serves to weaken your self-image and lends emotional strength to others.

2. The Rescuer

In conflict situations, don't pretend to be the rescuer of victims. Maybe other people don't want to be rescued by you, because they don't have a victim mentality.

And if they DO have a victim mentality, then the arrival of the "Rescuer" reinforces victims' low opinion of themselves.

3. The Persecutor (aka Villain)

In conflicts, don't perform the role of The Persecutor (the Villain) because these terms imply a host of bad behaviours: being aggressive, threatening, oppressive authoritarian, rigid, and bullying.

If solutions to conflict problems are found only outside the Karpman drama triangle behaviours, then what positive skills sets DO we need, in order to best resolve conflicts?

The Clear, Rational, Positive Triangle.

The three correct principles that underpin the correct answers to conflict management are: Clarity, Rationality, Positivity.

Clarity Rationality Positivity

1. Clarity

We manage conflicts using only clear ideas, clearly expressed. We are always able to make ourselves clearly understood.

2. Rationality

We manage conflicts according to rational principles: ie we find solutions by reference to facts, logic, objectivity, written policies and laws.

3. Positivity

Our intentions are always honourable and positive: We intend to find practical solutions that are mutually beneficial to all parties, and which represent a mutual exchange of values.

Conflict Handling Training

If you want to learn exactly how to resolve conflicts according to clear, rational and positive principles, we recommend you attend our Conflict Handling training course.

Definition: Karpman Drama Triangle

The Karpman Drama Triangle is a conflict model used at work and at home. It shows three unhelpful roles – victim, rescuer and persecutor – placed on the corners of a triangle. The idea is that people switch between these roles, keeping the fight going. It helps spot bad habits but offers no clear way to fix them.

Show CG4D Definition
Context: Conflict management
Genus: model
Differentia:
  • Lists three bad roles: victim, rescuer, persecutor
  • Draws the roles on a triangle shape
  • Shows people move from one role to another, which keeps the argument going
  • Used to spot harmful conflict habits, not to give fixes

Article Summary

Because the Karpman Drama Triangle lists roles to avoid, it fails to solve disputes; we fix conflict when we speak with clear words, calm logic and positive aims that help all sides win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.


Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!

Did You Know: Key Statistics

CIPD’s 2024 ‘Managing Conflict in the Modern Workplace’ survey shows 35% of UK staff faced at least one serious work dispute in the last 12 months. Gartner HR 2023 research found firms that give staff formal conflict-resolution training cut the time managers spend on disputes from 26% to 13% of their week.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Conflict Management and Handling Difficult People

  • Grievances at Work
    Prevent grievances at work and handle employee complaints fast with a six-step method that cuts costs and boosts morale through clear manager communication.
    Read Article >
  • How to deal with a smelly person at work
    Need to tackle body odour at work? Learn a simple, six-step script to hold a private, respectful talk, handle every reply, and keep trust and team morale intact
    Read Article >
  • Conflict Resolution Skills
    Learn seven conflict resolution skills, from listening and questioning to negotiation and emotional control, to end workplace conflict fast and cut costs.
    Read Article >
  • Management skills training - Giving constructive criticism
    Learn how to give constructive criticism that fixes mistakes, lifts performance and protects team morale. Clear steps, real examples, expert tips for managers.
    Read Article >
  • How to Deal with Conflict Situations
    Learn a simple three-step conflict management method: stay calm, state facts, ask for change. Boost communication skills and resolve workplace clashes fast.
    Read Article >

Looking for Conflict Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Conflict Management and Handling Difficult People Skills, you may find this Conflict Management Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

9 September
Birmingham
£475 +VAT
15 September
Online - Teams
£475 +VAT
17 September
Gloucester (M5 J11)
£475 +VAT
30 September
London - Central
£475 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £50 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 7 days, Birmingham, places available Book Now >