THE JOHNSONS

A Case Study (SOD: 1990)

Parents: Duke and Jo Johnson Children: Steve Johnson, Adrienne Kiriakis, Jack Deveraux The Johnsons are one of the most destructive family groups on daytime. Years ago, Duke beat his wife. In response, young Steve set his dad's bed on fire. Instead of leaving her husband, passive Jo gave her sons up for adoption to protect them. Baby Billy was renamed Jack and adopted. No one wanted Steve, who grew up in an orphanage and became an alienated, bitter man who shunned emotional ties. The Johnsons had another child, Adrienne. Since Duke was a domineering father who permitted his daughter little freedom, it's not surpriising that Adrienne was shy and socially backward. Eventually, Jo and Adrienne got up the guts to leave Duke and find Steve. But Duke tracked them down and battered his wife, who sought protection in a shelter. Furious when Adrienne wouldn't reveal her whereabouts, Duke raped his virginal daughter. Afterward, Adrienne killed him, but she was severely traumatized by the incident. Therapy helped her cope. She emerged from her shell and married a gentle man, Justin Kiriakis. The love of Kayla helped Steve overcome the anger and resentment he felt toward Jo for choosing to stay with Duke and abandon him. Jack didn't escape unscathed. While married to Kayla, he found out she was cheating on him and raped her, the pattern of violence repeating itself. Later, Jack learned he was adopted. The shock was compounded by the fact that his adoptive father was a serial killer. Instead of dealing with his problems, Jack repressed them. (He insisted on calling his mother "Mrs. Johnson," indicating plenty of ambivalence toward the woman.) Insecurity and fear caused him to avoid a relationship with Jennifer for a long time. The Johnsons are trying to strengthen their family ties. A therapist would have a field day--the Johnsons are a case study unto themselves.# Return to Press Index