Loading...
Relationships
Rescuer Syndrome Test
The tendency to take on other people's problems and sacrifice your own needs for those around you may indicate a pattern of codependent behavior. The Karpman Drama Triangle concept explains why the rescuer role becomes a habitual strategy in interpersonal relationships. Take this quick assessment to determine the extent of this behavioral pattern.
questions
25
Time
7 min
Method
Karpman Drama Triangle
Rating
4.6
![Rescuer Syndrome Test: Do You Have It? [Diagram]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fcategories%2Frelationships%2Frelationships-03.webp&w=1920&q=75)
What you'll learn
The extent of the rescuer role in your relationships
How much you tend to sacrifice your own needs
Your ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries
The level of codependency in your behavior
Personalized recommendations for breaking the rescuer pattern
Key facts
25
Questions
5–7 min
Time
Karpman Drama Triangle
Method
1968
Created
Stephen Karpman
Author
40+ countries
Used in
History & development
1964
Eric Berne publishes "Games People Play" — the foundation of transactional analysis
1968
Stephen Karpman introduces the Drama Triangle model
1986
Melody Beattie brings the concept of codependency into mainstream practice
2007
The "Compassion Triangle" is developed as an alternative to the Karpman Triangle
2014
Karpman updates his model in the book "A Game Free Life"
About the methodology
The Karpman Drama Triangle describes three interconnected roles in dysfunctional relationships: Persecutor, Victim, and Rescuer. The Rescuer role is characterized by a compulsive drive to help others, often unsolicited, leading to boundary violations and emotional exhaustion.
Modern research in transactional analysis has shown that the rescuer pattern forms in childhood as an adaptive strategy and can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
The methodology draws on Eric Berne's transactional analysis work, Melody Beattie's codependency research, and modern cognitive-behavioral approaches to interpersonal interaction patterns.
Scientific references
S. B. Karpman (1968)
E. Berne (1964)
S. B. Karpman (2014)
J. Stewart, V. Joines (2012)
Frequently asked questions
What is the rescuer syndrome?
The rescuer syndrome is a persistent behavioral pattern where a person compulsively strives to help others, often at the expense of their own needs. It is one of three roles in the Karpman Drama Triangle alongside the Victim and Persecutor roles.
What is this questionnaire based on?
The questionnaire is based on the Drama Triangle model proposed by psychiatrist Stephen Karpman in 1968 and modern research in transactional analysis and codependency.
How long does it take to complete?
The test takes 5–7 minutes. You will rate 25 statements on a five-point scale.
Can the rescuer pattern be overcome?
Yes, awareness is the first step. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and boundary-setting training help break free from this pattern. The recommendations in your results will guide you toward self-improvement.
How is rescuing different from genuine help?
Genuine help is a response to a specific request that doesn't exhaust the helper. A rescuer helps without being asked, ignores their own needs, feels responsible for others' problems, and experiences guilt when not helping.
How accurate are the results?
The test provides an approximate assessment of the rescuer pattern severity. For a deeper understanding, consultation with a transactional analysis or CBT specialist is recommended.
Instructions
Rate each statement on a scale from 0 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree). Answer honestly based on your typical behavior.
Ready to start?
Over 1500 scientifically validated tests. Completely free and no registration required.