Family of Origin

The Hero

The Hero

• Usually the oldest child
• Pressure to Perform
• Expected to make the family look good
• In high-stress families - At risk of becoming overly responsible/controlling

The Scapegoat

The Scapegoat

• Gets into trouble to get attention
• Most likely to skip school, steal, or have a substance abuse problem
• Relieves family stress by taking attention away from family problems
• In high-stress families - At risk of being physically abused

The Lost Child

The Lost Child

• Can't compete with siblings positively or negatively
• Withdraws/Isolates
• Ignored, lives in own world
• In high-stress family at risk of being sexually abused and/or engaging in self-destructive behavior

The Mascot

The Mascot

• Frequently the youngest child
• Do anything to get attention
• Avoids many consequences by using charm/humor
• Behavior takes focus off of family problems
• In high-stress families - at risk of being physically abused