Citation

Zagefka H, Jones J, Caglar A, Girish R, Matos C. Fam. J. (Alex. Va.) 2021; 29(3): 346-353.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1066480720973418

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This work focuses on different roles individuals might adopt in their family of origin: hero, scapegoat, lost child, mascot, caretaker, and mastermind. It was explored whether family dysfunction in the family of origin makes it more likely that individuals will take on certain roles, in particular those of "scapegoat" and "lost child." Further, it was tested whether the problematic roles of scapegoat and lost child are linked to greater depressive symptoms later on during adulthood. Support for these predictions was found in two correlational survey studies of young and older adults retrospectively reporting the roles they assumed in their family of origin (N = 176 and 366, respectively).

FINDINGS are discussed in terms of their implications for family therapy.

Language: en

Keywords

depression; depressive symptoms; Family Assessment Device; family dysfunction; family roles