Role Archetypes
Loner
Scapegoat
Enabler
Hero
Mascot
Saint
Peacekeeper
Driver
“When we are raised in toxic families, we often go through a time period, and for some of us, a lifetime, of repeating the toxic patterns we were raised in with other people in our lives. We do this until we decide we’ve had enough pain and choose to genuinely examine our patterns and stop the craziness for good.”― Sherrie Campbell
Dysfunctional families have been a well-kept secret for a long time. Many people grew up with the idea that what happened in the home stayed in the home no matter how vile or violent. It’s no wonder that children learned to change their behavior and personalities to cope with their daily lives. They assumed certain roles that are often seen in toxic families that have been passed down from generation to generation. They did not voluntarily take on these roles.
Children assumed these roles under duress for fear of rejection or retaliation or to get along with toxic parents and family members. However it happened, it happened and far too many children had to make that decision. And far too many adults are still reliving their role in their current lives. They have not linked their issues and challenges to their childhood trauma. It will take deliberate action to heal the habits, cycles, and trauma that have transitioned into adulthood in one way or another.
The main archetypes or roles that continue to show up in toxic homes were first identified by researchers and psychologists studying families with alcohol addiction. Since then, those roles have expanded beyond addiction to include other dysfunctional, unhealthy family dynamics. Discovering your role is the first step in ending toxic family dynamics and claiming your authentic self. Once you know the role you assumed as a child, you’ll be ready to heal the emotional wounds you carry. It’s time to heal your inner child and become your highest self.
The five key roles in dysfunctional families are the loner, scapegoat, enabler, hero, and mascot. You may assume multiple roles at various times depending on the circumstances. But you have a main role that defines your actions in the toxic family. I also included some of the lesser known roles for your information. You may find you identify with some of these as well.
