The vicious cycle patterns addressed in previous articles get played 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, first described by Steven Karpman and cited in the book, Games Alcoholics Play, by Claude Steiner. In this pattern, the participants assume three different roles that interact with each other to produce an impasse or gridlock, with each group experiencing mounting frustration. (While it is quite common for participants to alternate between roles, there is also a natural tendency for people to gravitate toward the particular roles that best suit their values and personality styles.) If we apply this vicious cycle model to our Congress, it may help us to appreciate the dynamic process of spinning one’s wheels and going nowhere.

[ezcol_1quarter]Descriptive Labels[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Persecutor, Critic, Enforcer, Bully[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Victim, Rebel, Free Spirit[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter_end]Rescuer, Enabler, Caretaker[/ezcol_1quarter_end]

[ezcol_1quarter]Political Counterpart[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Law & Order Conservative[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Libertarian[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter_end]Bleeding Heart Liberal[/ezcol_1quarter_end]

[ezcol_1quarter]Prevailing Values[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Order, Security, Conformity[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Freedom, Individuality[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter_end]Compassion, The Common Good[/ezcol_1quarter_end]

[ezcol_1quarter]Functions of the  Role[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Maintaining the status quo, preserving order and security, reducing the sense of threat[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Enjoying life, maximizing pleasure and minimizing distress, expressing oneself fully[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter_end]Achieving a sense of worth through helping others who can’t help themselves[/ezcol_1quarter_end]

[ezcol_1quarter]Implicit Basic Assumptions[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Rebels threaten the basic values of our society, and they must be dealt with through force and coercion[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Enforcers are the enemy bent on oppression, and I am not strong or skillful enough to deal with them directly and effectively[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter_end]Victims are too weak or helpless to take care of their own problems and conflicts, and they need my help[/ezcol_1quarter_end]

[ezcol_1quarter]Typical Roles[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Blaming, judging, criticizing and punishing Rebels for crimes, mistakes, transgressions, shortcoming, and wrongdoings; Criticizing liberals for coddling and inducing unhealthy dependency[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]Complaining of unfair treatment and harassment, avoiding the Enforcers, seeking immediate relief and rescue by Enablers, escaping and numbing through substances[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter_end]Criticizing Enforcers for harshness and insensitivity toward Victims, providing relief for Victims and advocating for them, including helping them escape the natural consequences of  their actions[/ezcol_1quarter_end]