terajk

I read that book a while back (it's called forgot what the three reactions were, so I went to the library and looked them up!

First, an apology: I shouldn't have called them "reactions." They're really "roles in the family," but I still think it's weird that there are only three of them. (There are only two of us in my immediate family, and our roles shift to a bunch of different things all the time). They were: the Custodian, the Bystander, and the Adversary. An FAQ page at schizophrenia.com describes them like this:

• Custodian - a sibling trying to step into a parental role. Although parents may appreciate the extra help, and the sibling might feel an empowering sense of authority, they can burnout with overwork, or feel resentment at being forced to grow up too fast.


• Bystander - often goes to the middle sibling. Tend to be more emotionally detached, and act as invisible observers, diplomats, or moral overseers. These siblings often suffer from parental neglect, and feel very isolated and alone.


• Adversary - the outspoken, "troublemaking" family member that acts out their frustration and anger. These siblings may end up in the unpopular role of "family scapegoat."