The Savior Complex & Workplace Bullying: Exploring the Connection

Dr. Kerstin Hecker explores how cultural and societal expectations, particularly of women, influence the emergence of the savior complex. Factors such as caretaker roles, perfectionism, relational orientations, childhood conditioning, power dynamics, and emotional labor contribute to this behavior. Women may feel pressured to "fix" those around them to maintain relationships or fulfill societal expectations.

Additionally, the savior complex can lead to troubling dynamics in contexts like workplace bullying. Individuals exhibiting this complex may try to intervene in conflicts or emotional crises, believing they can help both the victim and the bully. However, such efforts often fail, especially when dealing with bullies resistant to change, as indicated by the Karpman Drama Triangle framework, which outlines the fluid roles of victim, rescuer, and abuser in interpersonal dynamics.

Learn about the complexities of the savior complex and the potential harm it can cause to both the individual and those they intend to help.

*Blog image by Motoki Tonn @motoki via Unsplash.