Family Role Theory1

Running head: FAMILY ROLE THEORY ESSAY

Family Role Theory Essay

Taylor Hodges

University of CentralFlorida

Allgood/SOW5712

February 29, 2008

Introduction

Sharon Wegscheider popularized labels for common roles found in chemically dependent families. The Chemically Dependent Person, The Family Manager (aka Chief Enabler), The Hero, The Scapegoat, The Lost Child, and The Mascot are titles to describe groups of characteristics. While the descriptions are fluid more than rigid, family members sometimes identify with more than one role, individuals can often claim one primary role in the family system. This essay will define major characteristics of each of the six roles and explore three benefits of utilizing Wegscheider’s Role Theory and labels.

Controversy

Van Wormer (2008) clearly has questions about the validity of Wegscheider’s labels. Both the reality of the roles and usefulness in family group programming is doubted. The popularity of Wegscheider’s labels at the direct service level is not in doubt. The tension between popular acceptance and scholarly acceptance remains for those who would benefit by using Wegscheider’s labels.

Roles

The first role is the chemically dependent (CD) person. By necessity this role should be discussed first because of the potentially detrimental effects from drugged behaviors. Van Wormer (2008) describes this role, “Sensitive to the point of touchiness, the chemically dependent person is selfishly preoccupied with the source of addiction. Often charming and talented, this family member tends to see life events and personality in terms of black and white, all or nothing.” A second role is the family manager. Wegscheider originally provided the label of “Chief Enable” but the term is rarely used today because of various connotations. The family manager is usually a sober member of the family who takes care of the family by compensating for the lack of care or provision from the CD person. The family manager provides the basics of care, pays the bills, assures family members have food, washes clothes, and handles other household tasks. Other characteristics include taking care of the alcoholic, getting drinks, and cleaning up after the alcoholic (Alcoholic Family Roles).In some cases the family manager is blamed by individuals outside the family. Van Wormer (2008) states that family mangers should be, “accorded a great deal of sensitivity” by counselors at treatment centers. The third role is that of the Hero. Usually a firstborn, this child often develops a need for the approval of others, both inside and outside of the family. The “star” label is often applied to this individual in whatever activity they tend to excel. The emphasis of the family tends to be on doing rather than being. Extra responsibilities are often applied or assumed by the hero.

The Scapegoat is the forth role. In dysfunctional families the scapegoat takes the blame. The label may become a self-fulfilling prophecy with the scapegoat living up to (or down to) the expectations of the family. The next role is the Lost Child. The word “hiding” is often applied to this person. Often an introverted personality, this child can disappear for long hours, or use the same ability when the family is in crisis. The final role is the Mascot. Known for clowning around nearly all the time; the Mascot functions as both entertainment and distraction in the family. Each of the final five roles are possible responses to the CD family member. While much attention is given to the negative aspects of the roles, there are also many possible positive characteristics that can be developed.

Benefits of Utilizing the Roles

Van Wormer (2008) emphasizes some of the possible benefits growing out of Wegscheider’s roles. Children who grow up as “heroes” may develop leadership skills that will be beneficial to both the personal and professional life. The “lost child” may turn hours of reading or study into a fruitful career. Survival in a dysfunctional family system can hone skills that are advantageous later in life.

Knowledge of the roles can also be a benefit as a model of understanding people. Walker (1992) applies this model to the criminal justice system, specifically, as it relates to probation officers. Walker provides tips for working with those on probation and their families using Wegscheider’s roles. The same model can be used in any workplace where the children of the chemically dependent are present.

One of the best benefits of using Wegscheider’s roles is its usefulness as a tool of engagement. A printed handout with brief descriptions of each role can generate significant discussions by those who have lived with chemically dependent family members. And even if the family dysfunction was not drug related the roles are still helpful for understanding the characteristics of the family. The study by Devine (1993) concludes that the roles, or the characteristics of the roles, are a response to family disorganization, whether chemical dependency is present or not.

Conclusion

Wegscheider’s role theory is helpful in understanding family systems where chemical dependency is present. Knowledge of the basic characteristics and tendencies of each role can benefit those who provide help or treatment to chemically dependent families. While the validity of roles is debatable, the usefulness of Wegscheider’s role theory can be beneficial both personally and professionally.

References

Alcoholic Family Roles. Retrieved February 29, 2008 from

Devine, C. Braithwaite, V. (1993). The survival roles of children of alcoholics:

their measurement and validity. Addiction. Vol. 88(1), Jan 1993. pp. 69-78.

Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. (2008). Addiction Treatment: A Strengths Perspective (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson, Brooks/Cole.

Walker, Mickie C. (1992).Co-dependency and Probation. Federal Probation, Vol. 56, Issue 2.