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Why do some of us become the overachiever, while others fade into the background or act out in rebellion?
In this episode, we explore the 5 classic roles children take on in dysfunctional family systems - the Hero, the Rebel, the Lost Child, the Mascot, and the Caretaker. These roles aren’t personality traits - they’re survival strategies we unconsciously adopt to find safety, attention, or connection in emotionally chaotic environments.
You’ll learn:
Where these roles come from and why they form
How they shape our adult relationships and self-worth
The hidden emotional cost of playing a role to be loved
If you’ve ever wondered why you became the way you are, or felt stuck in a version of yourself that doesn’t quite feel real, this episode is for you.
By Dr Ali WalkerWhy do some of us become the overachiever, while others fade into the background or act out in rebellion?
In this episode, we explore the 5 classic roles children take on in dysfunctional family systems - the Hero, the Rebel, the Lost Child, the Mascot, and the Caretaker. These roles aren’t personality traits - they’re survival strategies we unconsciously adopt to find safety, attention, or connection in emotionally chaotic environments.
You’ll learn:
Where these roles come from and why they form
How they shape our adult relationships and self-worth
The hidden emotional cost of playing a role to be loved
If you’ve ever wondered why you became the way you are, or felt stuck in a version of yourself that doesn’t quite feel real, this episode is for you.