Want to test your de-escalation knowledge again? Can you answer this question?
In the context of mental illness, what is “Staff Splitting?”
a) The practice of splitting staff into teams that are specially trained on different mental health disorders.
b) A common symptom of schizophrenia, in which the individual assigns different personality traits (“splits”) to different staff members.
c) When a client creates conflict between two co-workers by convincing one that the other is treating the client unfairly.
d) A conflict resolution technique where the staff member splits their time evenly between two arguing individuals.
The answer is below.
WHAT IS “STAFF SPLITTING?”
The correct answer is C.
When a client creates conflict between two co-workers by convincing one that the other is treating the client unfairly.
Individuals with personality disorders (especially borderline personality disorder) often create a “Karpman Triangle” with staff members:
Victim – The client
Persecutor – The staff member who the Victim says is treating him/her badly.
Rescuer – The staff member who the Victim goes to for “help” with the Persecutor.
Staff splitting typically creates conflict between the two staff members.
This sounds like a simple thing to avoid, but it is VERY easy to take on the role of Rescuer.
The Victim usually flatters the Rescuer (e.g. “You are the only one here who understands me or treats me fairly.”)
Since the flattery feels good, it is easier to see the whole situation as “true.”
Staff splitting is VERY common in social service settings.
WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT STAFF SPLITTING?
It is up to the staff to stop it.
If you are the Rescuer:
1.Be suspicious if a client flatters you while complaining about your coworkers.
2.Go talk to the Persecutor.
If you suspect you are the Persecutor:
1.Go talk to the Rescuer.
The ONLY solution to staff splitting is for the staff members to talk to each other.
Once you know understand what is happening it is easier to respond appropriately.
Have a fantastic week!
Peace,
Ryan