This article was co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Your family should be a safe space that provides you with love and support as you grow up, but unfortunately, this isn't always the case. If you think you're dealing with a dysfunctional family dynamic and want to know more about dysfunctional family roles, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover the common roles found in dysfunctional families, and explain their possible effects. We’ll also go over how to heal and cope if you’re a part of a dysfunctional family. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Common Dysfunctional Family Roles
- The golden child receives excessive praise and special treatment from their parents.
- The scapegoat is unfairly blamed for all of the family’s problems.
- The lost child tries to escape their family’s dysfunction by isolating themselves.
- The peacemaker constantly works to defuse tensions and mediate arguments.
- The mascot uses humor and playfulness to try to distract from the family’s problems.
- The parentified child assumes adult responsibilities to keep things running smoothly.
- The enabler excuses family members' bad behavior to keep up appearances.
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References
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230809-the-lifelong-effects-of-the-favourite-child
- ↑ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-3-059.php
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism
- ↑ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-3-059.php
- ↑ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-3-059.php
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202110/are-you-narcissistic-parents-lost-child
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201712/playing-out-our-childhood-role
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201712/playing-out-our-childhood-role
- ↑ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-3-059.php
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201712/playing-out-our-childhood-role
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/childhood-emotional-neglect/202308/to-be-parentified-is-to-grow-up-with-emotional-neglect
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201712/playing-out-our-childhood-role
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/are-you-an-enabler
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/are-you-an-enabler#
- ↑ https://dictionary.apa.org/identified-patient
- ↑ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-3-059.php
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201812/self-care-12-ways-take-better-care-yourself
- ↑ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-3-059.php
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2020/03/adult-children-of-dysfunctional-families-unworthiness-and-shame#Changing-our-thoughts-and-feelings
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_five_myths_of_self_compassion
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-power-of-self-compassion
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-difficult-family-relationships.htm
- ↑ https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-set-boundaries-my-family/
- ↑ https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-set-boundaries-my-family/
- ↑ https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-set-boundaries-my-family/
- ↑ https://www.samhsa.gov/families
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist
- ↑ https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-set-boundaries-my-family/
- ↑ https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-set-boundaries-my-family/
- ↑ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-3-059.php
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