What is triangulation in family systems therapy?
Triangulation or triangling is defined in the AAMFT Family Therapy Glossary as the “process that occurs when a third person is introduced into a dyadic relationship to balance either excessive intimacy, conflict, or distance and provide stability in the system” (Evert et al. 1984 p.
What does it mean to triangulate someone?
Triangulation happens when one or both of the people involved in the conflict try to pull a third person into the dynamic, often with the goal of: deflecting some of the tension. creating another conflict to take the spotlight off the original issue. reinforcing their sense of rightness or superiority.
What does triangulation mean mental health?
Triangulation is when a toxic or manipulative person, often a person with strong narcissistic traits, brings a third person into their relationship in order to remain in control. There will be limited or no communication between the two triangulated individuals except through the manipulator.
What is triangulation in conflict resolution?
Triangulation occurs when an outside person intervenes or is drawn into a conflicted or stressful relationship in an attempt to ease tension and facilitate communication. This situation is often seen in family therapy.
What are the 4 types of triangulation?
In 1978, Norman Denzin identified four basic types of triangulation: (1) data triangulation: the use of multiple data sources in a single study; (2) investigator triangulation: the use of multiple investigators/research- ers to study a particular phenomenon; (3) theory triangulation: the use of multiple perspectives to ...
Is triangulation a form of abuse?
Triangulation is considered a form of emotional abuse that can occur in any relationship. Your covert narcissistic partner may pull in a third person into your toxic relationship to create conflicts between the two of you so they can manipulate and take advantage of you.
What happens during triangulation?
Triangulation is a type of survey which starts at a baseline joining two positions with a known distance and grows by adding sides to form a triangle, measuring the angles formed – always exceeding 20° – and shaping a network of connected triangles whose sides have 'calculated' distances.
How do you break triangulation?
Set some ground rules, including:The feedback should avoid evaluative statements and focus on descriptions of the other person's behavior. ... Each person should be curious as to why the other sees things the way they do. ... The two people involved should talk to each other and not to the facilitator.
What are triangulation tactics?
What is Triangulation? Triangulation is an emotional manipulation tactic where two people in an argument try to pull in a third person to change the argument dynamic. The goal of triangulation is to divide people within the argument and to tip the scales of the argument.
What is triangulation and how does it work?
Triangulation is a surveying method that measures the angles in a triangle formed by three survey control points. Using trigonometry and the measured length of just one side, the other distances in the triangle are calculated.
What is another word for triangulation?
What is another word for triangulation?route-planningorienteeringroutingdirection-findingmap reading
What is the importance of triangulation?
Triangulation can help: Reduce research bias that comes from using a single method, theory, or investigator. Enhance validity by approaching the same topic with different tools. Establish credibility by giving you a complete picture of the research problem.
Why do narcissists need to triangulate?
By bringing in a third person to agree with them and make the other person look wrong, it increases their sense of “rightness” and superiority over the other person. Triangulation also is a way for narcissists to gain attention, particularly when they're in the “victim” role.
Why do narcissists use triangulation?
Why do people with NPD use triangulation? People who have narcissistic personality disorder frequently use triangulation to enhance their feelings of superiority, raise their self-esteem, devalue other people, and keep potential competitors off-balance.
What is triangulation friendship?
Triangulation is a tactic or process used to avoid confrontation by communicating with a third party instead of directly communicating with the person you're having a conflict with. Triangulation is not always inherently good or bad, it can be a useful tool for diffusing anxiety within highly reactive relationships.
What is triangulation flirting?
Triangulation is a manipulation technique where a narcissist will bring another person into a relationship to force someone to compete for their attention. The name triangulation implies that three people will be involved in this dynamic.
What is triangulation in psychology?
In the field of psychology, triangulations are necessary steps in the child's development when a two-party relationship is opened up by a third party into a new form of relationship. So the child gains new mental abilities. The concept was introduced in 1971, by the Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Ernst L. Abelin, especially as 'early triangulation', to describe the transitions in psychoanalytic object relations theory and parent-child relationship in the age of 18 months. In this presentation, the mother is the early caregiver with a nearly "symbiotic" relationship to the child, and the father lures the child away to the outside world, resulting in the father being the third party. Abelin later developed an 'organizer- and triangulation-model', in which he based the whole human mental and psychic development on several steps of triangulation.
How does triangulation work?
In the family triangulation system the third person can either be used as a substitute for the direct communication, or can be used as a messenger to carry the communication to the main party. Usually, this communication is an expressed dissatisfaction with the main party. For example, in a dysfunctional family in which there is alcoholism present, the non-drinking parent will go to a child and express dissatisfaction with the drinking parent. This includes the child in the discussion of how to solve the problem of the alcoholic parent. Sometimes the child can engage in the relationship with the parent, filling the role of the third party, and thereby being "triangulated" into the relationship. Alternatively, the child may then go to the alcoholic parent, relaying what they were told. In instances when this occurs, the child may be forced into a role of a "surrogate spouse" The reason that this occurs is that both parties are dysfunctional. Rather than communicating directly with each other, they utilize a third party. Sometimes this is because it is unsafe to go directly to the person and discuss the concerns, particularly if they are alcoholic and/or abusive .
What is triangular family?
In a triangular family relationship, the two who have aligned risk forming an enmeshed relationship.
Why do children have to be forced into surrogate spouses?
In instances when this occurs, the child may be forced into a role of a "surrogate spouse" The reason that this occurs is that both parties are dysfunctional. Rather than communicating directly with each other, they utilize a third party.
Is triangulation a destructive factor?
Triangulation can also be a destructive and destabilizing factor. Destabilizing or "bad triangulation" can polarize communications and escalate conflict. Understanding the difference between stabilizing triangulation and destabilizing triangulation is helpful in avoiding destabilizing situations.
Who was the first to postulate the role of the father in pre-oedipal behavior?
Some earlier related work, published in a 1951 paper, had been done by the German psychoanalyst Hans Loewald in the area of pre- Oedipal behavior and dynamics. In a 1978 paper, the child psychoanalyst Dr. Selma Kramer wrote that Loewald postulated the role of the father as a positive supporting force for the pre-Oedipal child against the threat of reengulfment by the mother which leads to an early identification with the father, preceding that of the classical Oedipus complex. This was also related to the work in Separation-Individuation theory of child development by the psychoanalyst Margaret Mahler.
Who wrote the book "Triangulation, the Role of the Father and the Origins of Core Gender Identity?
Ernst Abelin (1980): Triangulation, the Role of the Father and the Origins of Core Gender Identity during the Rapprochement Subphase. In: Rapprochement, ed. R. Lax, S. Bach and J. Burland. New York: Jason Aronson, S. 151-169.
What Is Bowenian Family Therapy?
Bowenian family therapy is an approach to treatment that was developed by the psychiatrist Murray Bowen. Bowen believed that patterns persist in families across generations, and problematic behaviors can be passed down and create similar conflicts.
Types of Bowenian Family Therapy
As the name implies, Bowenian family therapy typically involves multiple family members working together to address family conflicts and improve relationships within the family unit.
Techniques of Bowenian Family Therapy
Practitioners of Bowenian family therapy have several interventions that are specific to this approach to treatment, including:
What Bowenian Family Therapy Can Help With
Bowenian family therapy can help families who are experiencing conflict or communication difficulties. It can also help individuals experiencing anxiety and stress. It is particularly helpful if you want to address the impact of previous generations and current family dynamics on your mental health and current symptoms.
Benefits of Bowenian Family Therapy
Because Bowenian family therapy emphasizes healthy communication skills and conflict resolution, participating in this type of therapy can help foster healthy relationships and appropriate boundaries.
Effectiveness of Bowenian Family Therapy
There is limited empirical evidence for Bowenian family therapy at this time. However, the Bowenian technique of self-differentiation can be effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms.
Things to Consider
Because Bowenian family therapy can be used individually, with couples, or with a larger family unit, it is an option for many people seeking therapy support. Clients need to be prepared to put in the work to practice making changes to communication styles and boundaries, especially if other family members are not directly involved in treatment.
What is triangulation in family therapy?
Triangulation or triangling is defined in the AAMFT Family Therapy Glossary as the “process that occurs when a third person is introduced into a dyadic relationship to balance either excessive intimacy, conflict, or distance and provide stability in the system ” (Evert et al. 1984 p. 32). This concept is associated with Murray Bowen ( 1978) who saw triangulation as a way to reduce anxiety in a dyadic relationship. Nichols and Schwartz ( 1998) note that Bowen developed the concept of triangulation in the late 1950s when he was involved on a NIMH project working with hospitalized families of a family member with schizophrenia. The use of triangles has also been found in the work of Salvador Minuchin (1974) and the “rigid triad,” as well as Jay Haley (1967) with the “perverse triangle,” among others. Although different in perspectives, they all share the same foundation of a third person being brought into a...
When did Bowen develop triangulation?
Nichols and Schwartz ( 1998) note that Bowen developed the concept of triangulation in the late 1950s when he was involved on a NIMH project working with hospitalized families of a family member with schizophrenia.
What is the most unstable relationship?
One of the foundational features of Murray Bowen’s family systems theory is his concept of triangles. Bowen notes that a dyad (a two-person relationship) is the most basic of all human relationships — but that it is also the most unstable. Bowen said that a dyad is the most unstable of all human relationships because when two persons are at odds with each other, they tend to triangle (i.e., hook in) in a third person. He called this process triangulation. Incidentally, there are good reasons why triangulation rhymes with strangulation — when you are being triangulated by another, you can actually feel the tightness in your chest because you know that you are being cajoled (or even manipulated) to take that person’s side.
What is the telltale feature of triangulation?
One telltale feature of triangulation is when people talk behind the backs of others. People do this when they are not comfortable speaking to others directly. Bowen states that the lower one’s level of differentiation (i.e., the lower one’s maturity) the higher the proclivity for triangulation. Those who have the most difficulty directly voicing concerns or sensitive issues with others are the least mature. And conversely, highly-differentiated persons possess a greater capacity to speak face to face with those with whom they feel conflict or tension.
What is the differentiation of self scale?
Bowen crafted a differentiation of self scale (with 1 being the lowest level of differentiation and 100 being the highest) as a way for persons to measure their emotional and relational maturity. For Bowen, the terms maturity and differentiation of self are synonymous. He noted that he never met anyone with a score over about 70, and reported later in his career that he regretted ever developing this scale because people became obsessed with trying to measure their level of differentiation. Can you imagine that?
Why does triangulation feel tight?
Incidentally, there are good reasons why triangulation rhymes with strangulation — when you are being triangulated by another, you can actually feel the tightness in your chest because you know that you are being cajoled (or even manipulated) to take that person’s side.
What is a relational triangle?
Negotiating relational triangles. For Bowen, triangles (a three-person relationship) are the basic building blocks of relationships. In any family or organization there are a series of what he calls interlocking triangles. For example, in a family with a mother, father, daughter and son, there is a triangle between the husband, ...
Why is a dyad the most unstable?
Bowen said that a dyad is the most unstable of all human relationships because when two persons are at odds with each other, they tend to triangle (i.e., hook in) in a third person. He called this process triangulation.
Why did Bowen regret developing the differentiation scale?
He noted that he never met anyone with a score over about 70, and reported later in his career that he regretted ever developing this scale because people became obsessed with trying to measure their level of differentiation.
What happens when tension develops between the insiders?
If mild to moderate tension develops between the insiders, the most uncomfortable one will move closer to the outsider. One of the original insiders now becomes the new outsider and the original outsider is now an insider. The new outsider will make predictable moves to restore closeness with one of the insiders.
How do triangle patterns change?
The patterns in a triangle change with increasing tension. In calm periods, two people are comfortably close "insiders" and the third person is an uncomfortable "outsider.". The insiders actively exclude the outsider and the outsider works to get closer to one of them.
What happens when the maneuvering insider is successful?
If the maneuvering insider is successful, he gains the more comfortable position of watching the other two people fight. When the tension and conflict subside, the outsider will try to regain an inside position. Triangles contribute significantly to the development of clinical problems.
Why do triangles contain tension?
If the tension is too high for one triangle to contain, it spreads to a series of "interlocking" triangles. Spreading the tension can stabilize a system, but nothing gets resolved.
Why is a triangle considered a building block?
It is considered the building block or "molecule" of larger emotional systems because a triangle is the smallest stable relationship system. A two-person system is unstable because it tolerates little tension before involving a third person.
How does spreading tension affect a triangle?
People's actions in a triangle reflect their efforts to ensure their emotional attachments to important others, their reactions to too much intensity in the attachments, and their taking sides in the conflicts of others.
What are the effects of triangles on a child?
Triangles contribute significantly to the development of clinical problems. Getting pushed from an inside to an outside position can trigger a depression or perhaps even a physical illness. Two parents intensely focusing on what is wrong with a child can trigger serious rebellion in the child.
Overview
Triangulation is a term in psychology most closely associated with the work of Murray Bowen known as family therapy. Bowen theorized that a two-person emotional system is unstable, in that under stress it forms itself into a three-person system or triangle.
Family theory
In the family triangulation system, the third person can either be used as a substitute for direct communication or can be used as a messenger to carry the communication to the main party. Usually, this communication is an expressed dissatisfaction with the main party. For example, in a dysfunctional family in which there is alcoholism present, the non-drinking parent will go to a child and express dissatisfaction with the drinking parent. This includes the child in the discussion of …
Child development
In the field of psychology, triangulations are necessary steps in the child's development. When a two-party relationship is opened up by a third party, a new form of relationship emerges and the child gains new mental abilities. The concept was introduced in 1971 by the Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Ernst L. Abelin, especially as 'early triangulation', to describe the transitions in psychoanalytic object relations theory and parent-child relationship in the age of 18 months. In this presentation…
Destabilizing triangulation
Destabilizing triangulation occurs when a person attempts to control the flow, interpretation, and nuances of communication between two separate actors or groups of actors, thus ensuring communications flow through, and constantly relate back to them. Examples include a parent attempting to control communication between two children, or a relationship partner attempting to control communication between the other partner and the other partner's friends and family. …
See also
• Destabilisation
• Karpman drama triangle
• Mind games
• Parental alienation
Further reading
• Ernst Abelin (1975): Some further observations and comments on the earliest role of the father. Internat. J. Psycho-Anal. 56:293-302
• Ernst Abelin (1980): Triangulation, the Role of the Father and the Origins of Core Gender Identity during the Rapprochement Subphase. In: Rapprochement, ed. R. Lax, S. Bach and J. Burland. New York: Jason Aronson, S. 151-169.