P
Perverse Triangles in Family Systems homeostasis (Whitchurch and Constantine
Theory 1993). In other words, family members change
Laura M. Frey
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
Name of Concept
Perverse Triangles in Family Systems Theory
Introduction
Several family therapy approaches – Bowen’s
transgenerational model (Bowen 1981), structural
family theory (Minuchin 1974), and strategic fam-
ily therapy (Hoffman 1981) – use the term trian-
gle to describe a pathological interaction pattern.
While triangle primarily refers to a three-person
subsystem within the family, Jay Haley used the
term perverse triangle to represent a specific form
of triangular dysfunction within a system.
Theoretical Context for Concept
A perverse triangle has its roots in family systems
theory which proposes that families are interac-
tional systems that self-correct to maintain
Laura M. Frey, Couple and Family Therapy Program, Kent
School of Social Work. University of Louisville.
# Springer International Publishing AG 2017
J.L. Lebow et al. (eds.), Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_339-1
their behavior or interact in ways that provide a
sense of stability. This cyclical system utilizes
members’ interactions to indicate whether things
are calm and predictable (negative feedback) or
dynamic and necessitating adjustment (positive
feedback).
A triangle serves as a specific type of three-
person feedback system. Typically, a triangle
occurs when tension grows between two family
members. To reduce the tension, one person
brings in a third family member to form a dyad
within the triangle. This dyad likely takes the form
of confiding in a family member or asking that
family member to take one’s side in an argument.
For example, a son that has continually argued
with his wife may confide in his wife’s mother to
gain support. The mother-in-law then chastises
her daughter for not supporting her husband,
which leads the wife to acquiesce, thereby reduc-
ing the tension.
Description
Jay Haley (1967) described a perverse triangle
using three characteristics. First, two people
within the triangle must be from a different gen-
eration than the third. The cross-generational
nature yields an unequal power dynamic among
the three members. Second, one individual must
form a coalition with one of the persons from a
2 Perverse Triangles in Family Systems Theory
different generation. Finally, the two people
involved deny the coalition exists. When these
characteristics are present, the perverse triangle
breaches the natural hierarchy in a covert way.
Haley (1967) argued that perverse triangles, if
left untreated, will generate a pathological family
system that experiences continual conflict, symp-
tomatic distress requiring community attention
(e.g., violence), or divorce.
Application of Perverse Triangles in
Couple and Family Therapy
Perverse triangles can be addressed using a vari-
ety of family therapy models. For both structural
and strategic approaches, techniques are used to
realign the hierarchy to place the parents con-
jointly above the children. Part of this process
involves making the perverse triangle overt (e.g.,
through family mapping), so that all family mem-
bers are aware of the coalition. Subsequent inter-
ventions could include enactments and
unbalancing techniques to reestablish clear
boundaries and effective communication. Strate-
gic interventions may focus on directives, ordeal
therapy, or pretend techniques to challenge mem-
bers’ automatic responses to one another. By
inserting new behaviors, the therapist hopes to
engage in a positive feedback loop that disrupts
homeostasis, which in turn will allow for new
behaviors that break the dysfunctional cycle
within the triangle.
Clinical Example
Sara and Lisa are married with a teenage daughter,
Rebecca. Sara and Lisa have recently been argu-
ing about Lisa’s job, which requires out-of-town
travel 2–3 weeks a month. Lisa’s absence is hard
on their relationship, causing frequent arguments.
Sara describes Lisa as emotionally unresponsive
when she tries to discuss her unhappiness. During
a family assessment, the therapist quickly learns
that Rebecca is very angry with Lisa. Rebecca
states she cannot understand why Lisa leaves her
family to “fend for themselves,” and the therapist
later uncovers that Sara has been relying on
Rebecca for emotional support in Lisa’s absence.
This week, when Lisa asked why Rebecca was
upset, Rebecca stated that she “would know what
was wrong if she was here.” Lisa suspected that
Rebecca knew that she and Sara had argued earlier
that day, but when Lisa confronted Sara about it,
she stated Rebecca “has a right to be mad if she
wants.”
The therapist quickly explains the presence of
a perverse triangle prevents Lisa and Sara from
reconciling their relationship and limits Lisa’s
ability to parent Rebecca. The therapist explicitly
details how Sara’s reliance on Rebecca’s emo-
tional support makes it hard for Rebecca to respect
and connect with Lisa herself. The therapist also
describes that Lisa feels betrayed when Sara con-
fides in Rebecca, causing her to be impatient
during their arguments. Additionally, the therapist
informs Lisa that her angry demeanor toward Sara
likely exacerbates Sara’s belief that Lisa is
unresponsive. After overtly discussing the effects
of the perverse triangle, the family agrees to con-
tinue family therapy in order to restore the hierar-
chy and strengthen their emotional connections.
Cross-References
▶ Coalition in Structural Family Therapy
▶ Cross-Generational Coalition in Structural
Family Therapy
▶ Detriangulation in Couple and Family Therapy
▶ Feedback in Family Systems Theory
▶ General Systems Theory
References
Bowen, M. (1981). Family therapy in clinical practice.
New York: Jason Aronson.
Haley, J. (1967). Toward a theory of pathological systems.
In G. Zuk & I. Boszormenyi-Nagy (Eds.), Family ther-
apy and disturbed families (pp. 11–27). Palo Alto:
Science and Behavior Books.
Perverse Triangles in Family Systems Theory
Hoffman, L. (1981). Foundations of family therapy:
A conceptual framework for systems change.
New York: Basic Books.
Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and family therapy. Cam-
bridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
3
Whitchurch, G. G., & Constantine, L. L. (1993). Systems
theory. In P. G. Boss, W. J. Doherty, R. LaRossa, W. R.
Schumm, & S. K. Steinmetz (Eds.), Sourcebook of
family theories and methods: A contextual approach
(pp. 325–352). New York: Springer.