Vicious cycle patterns play out not only in personal relationships, but also on the societal and political level. Below is a table identifying key characteristics of the Drama Triangle, a common vicious cycle. This pattern was first described by Steven Karpman and cited in the book, Games Alcoholics Play, by Claude Steiner. In this pattern, the participants assume three interacting roles that produce an impasse. (While common for participants to alternate between roles, they usually gravitate toward roles suiting their values and personality styles.) In applying this model to our Congress, we can better appreciate the dynamic process behind the polarization and gridlock.

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