This article explains how over-identification with roles can lead to suffering and how this concept can be explained through the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination in Buddhism. The twelve steps of the cycle, from ignorance to old age and death, are described in the context of over-identification with roles. Suggestions for breaking the cycle by developing an understanding of impermanence, cultivating mindfulness, developing a more expansive sense of self, and letting go of rigid patterns of thinking and attachment are also provided.

The article identifies how over-identification with roles can lead to a more entrenched sense of self that limits personal growth and leads to suffering. The cycle starts with ignorance, where the person lacks the understanding that their sense of self is not solely defined by their roles. Due to this ignorance, the person forms habitual patterns of identifying themselves mainly with their roles, leading to attachment and suffering. Their consciousness is limited by their attachment to their self-identity defined by their roles, and their physical and mental characteristics create a predisposition towards attachment to their roles. They perceive themselves mainly through their roles, which leads to a more entrenched identification with them.

Contact with situations that challenge their roles or require them to perform specific tasks can lead to a more entrenched identification with these roles. The person may experience a combination of pleasant and unpleasant sensations as a result of their roles or duties, leading to further attachment. They may develop a desire to enhance or maintain their roles, which leads to a more intense identification with them. As their attachment and identification with their roles intensify, they become even more entrenched, leading to the cycle of over-identification with roles perpetuating itself.

To break the cycle, each step from ignorance to old age and death must be addressed. The person needs to develop an understanding of the true nature of reality and cultivate a more flexible pattern of thinking that reduces their rigid identification with roles. Cultivating a more expansive sense of self through mindfulness and self-awareness practices can help them develop awareness beyond their roles. They can let go of their clinging to the false sense of self-identity formed from their roles by developing equanimity and compassion.