Stephen Karpman first described the drama triangle as a social and psychological model of human interaction in transactional analysis (TA).

Volition leverages this model because it simplifies the complicated and unproductive dynamics that take place in teams, families, and groups. Stephen Karpman established this model in the early 1970s to reveal the reactive behaviors we fall into and how those reactions muddy up communication, compromise progress, and break down relationships. If there is a challenge or an issue to resolve, you can beat the drama triangle that is in effect. When faced with a problem, people tend to take on habitual and reactive roles that cause them to stay in a state of constant drama without ever solving the root issue.