In neurography, geometric figures play a key role; neurography understands the meaning of figures as a metaphysical tool. The representation of life or life processes in the form of a neurographic composition of figures united by lines is an interesting system of cognition. The fact is that for our subconscious, the entirety of the surrounding space can be described through simple visual images: squares, circles, triangles, connected by linear plasticity.
Each of these simple geometric figures is a powerful symbol, possessing archetypal energy that lies in the collective unconscious. That is why these symbols are understandable and accessible to each of us, regardless of our knowledge.
For those who want to study the figures and the main algorithm in more detail, a webinar on neurography Modeling is available.
What is the Karpman triangle in psychology?
The definition of the Karpman triangle and what it means first appeared in psychology thanks to a psychotherapist from America, Stephen Karpman, and was named in his honor.
He revealed another secret of the human psyche and developed a new concept. According to it, we play many different roles in our lives, but all of them can be limited to three images: Rescuer, Victim and Executioner. There are different names for these hypostases, but they retain the same meaning. The essence comes down to a conflict between the victim and the persecutor in the presence of a third party.
The Karpman triangle is a codependent relationship that arises from the need to assert oneself at the expense of others. The result is manipulation and emotional release. But this scheme does not have a positive impact on all participants. Only the victim wins, and the rescuer leaves the game emotionally exhausted and devastated. An amazing fact, but the provocateur of the conflict - the villain and the executioner - may not even exist during the development of the situation. The ex-husband, boss and any other abuser are chosen for this role.
The triangle in psychology, victim, rescuer, persecutor, is a frequent companion in the lives of many people. We get used to all these roles, choosing one as our favorite. The real state of affairs remains behind the scenes, it is ignored. This all happens unconsciously. You may be surprised to recognize yourself in this behavior pattern, past or present. Roles can change for different periods of time - an hour or a minute.
This game saturates us with vivid experiences and emotions. Karpman's triangle in psychology is often defined as a chronic condition for some people. Getting hooked on emotions, they find “playing partners” and end up in a vicious circle. This becomes a habit and is perceived as the natural course of things, the only possible way of existing and building relationships. This is a trap that many emotionally dependent people fall into. To get out of it, you need to make an effort and use a cold mind and willpower. In a word, turn on your mind.
Circle
The circle is a positive beginning, symbolizing the center. It is considered a basic geometric figure with absolute integrity. Therefore, circles in neurography are an important element for constructing a composition. Consciousness is designed in such a way that it completes (completes) them even from a rounded corner and line. For this reason, they are also used to construct compositions and neuromandalas.
The circle symbolizes the sun, which is associated with warmth, light, crop shoots, and the goodness of life. For a person, it is a kind of message of life. The figure is ascribed meanings such as security and harmony. Its archetypal perception in humans is associated with such objects as the moon and the sun, the eye (its movement). In addition to the circle itself, its derivatives are also used in the neurographic composition - a semicircle, a spiral, an oval.
Characteristics of Karpman's Drama Triangle
To better understand what Karpman's psychological triangle means in real life, let's first consider his characters in their pure form. The characterization of its participants in this case looks very flat, one-sided and categorical, but this will help to understand the essence of what is happening.
✔️ Villain (tyrant, executioner, persecutor, etc.) This character takes a superior position: “I’m good - you’re bad.” He likes to openly humiliate his victims, causing a response in the form of feelings of guilt and shame (this is in its pure form, but in life this does not always happen and the executioner in one situation turns into a victim when he finds himself in other circumstances). Puts others (close ones) in an awkward situation, directly or indirectly reproaching them for inaction and insufficient participation. He perceives life with hostility (at a particular moment or always), seeing it as a source of problems.
He is dominated by irritation, anger, aggression and fear (sometimes unconscious). The tyrant does not take into account the feelings of other people, suppresses, asserts himself and receives his share of self-affirmation in this way. At the same time, he blames the victim, meanwhile provoking her to new outbursts of emotions and reactions. The behavior of such a character is difficult to predict, he does not want to take responsibility for himself and others, and feels the need for a victim in order to draw strength.
In this case, the physical presence of the victim is not necessary. This could be an ex-wife who left many years ago, a deceased parent, children avoiding toxic interactions, or a former subordinate. The tyrant's behavior can be changed by the loss of the victim (not always) or a change in roles. Finding himself without his “toy,” he revels in anger, wishes her troubles and gloats over even the slightest of her failures. At the same time, he is in search of a new target for criticism, because he is not able to take responsibility, because it tires him.
✔️ Rescuer (savior, controller, witness, etc.) He takes a similar position: “I’m good - you’re bad,” but does not humiliate the victim, but devalues him, also stroking his pride and feeling superior.
He has great (temporary) control over the situation, takes on the image of a patron or the role of an “adult,” reducing the victim to the position of a “child.”
The rescuer is also the codependent figure in Karpman's triangle. He needs gratitude and a feeling of superiority. Thus, he pleases his ego and increases self-esteem. Such people prefer a mentoring tone, give unsolicited advice and get angry if their instructions are ignored. They believe that they understand the situation better and know how to improve the life of the other person (the victim).
In reality, the help of such a rescuer is of little use, and the rescue itself is just a game. Because his goal is not real help, but an opportunity to assert himself at the expense of the “poor sufferers” who are in search of a “vest for tears.” It is not profitable for the rescuer to help the victim and get him out of a difficult situation, because he will immediately lose the source for increasing his SER (feeling of self-importance).
Rescue can become the meaning of life and turn into emotional dependence, which is as difficult to get rid of as other roles in codependent relationships. This position helps you navigate life, feel needed, important and satisfy the ego, giving an illusory meaning to life.
✔️ Victim (no options). This character is in a humiliated position, and often does it voluntarily. The chosen position in this role: “I feel bad - you feel good.” A person diligently devalues his personality and suffers from a lack of self-confidence. The victim's creed is dissatisfaction with life and complaints about the injustice of life. At the same time, she does not have enough strength to change the situation, and her energy is spent on suffering.
The victim believes that he is unable to influence the situation and nothing depends on him. Inertia, fear, expectation of the worst is the usual state of a person in this role. Since justification is needed to justify a position, the victim is often at the subconscious level looking for a tyrant for a mutual codependent existence. He confirms her attitude “there is something wrong with me, I am unworthy of love.” Women often claim the role of victim, but men can also take this position.
The victim shifts most of the questions and problems to the Rescuer, who limits her development as a person. One’s own skills are not developed, and the belief that the victim himself is incapable of making decisions is strengthened.
