Which statement about scapegoating is true?

Which statement about scapegoating is true?

• A. It involves projecting the group's problems onto a single individual
• B. It involves blaming the leader
• C. It involves ignoring feedback
• D. It involves universal support

Answer: (A)

Scapegoating in group dynamics means the group redirects its tensions and failures onto one member, treating that person as the source of all problems. In a counseling group, when progress stalls or discomfort rises, the group may collectively blame a single participant, using that person as the target to vent frustrations. This externalization creates a sense of unity against a figure while avoiding addressing underlying issues in group processes, communication, or structure. The scapegoated member often bears disproportionate blame, which can erode trust and derail progress for the whole group. This description fits best because it captures the defining move of scapegoating—projecting collective problems onto one individual. Blaming the leader isn’t necessarily the defining feature since scapegoats can be any member; ignoring feedback and universal support are not defining aspects of scapegoating either.

Scapegoating in group dynamics means the group redirects its tensions and failures onto one member, treating that person as the source of all problems. In a counseling group, when progress stalls or discomfort rises, the group may collectively blame a single participant, using that person as the target to vent frustrations. This externalization creates a sense of unity against a figure while avoiding addressing underlying issues in group processes, communication, or structure. The scapegoated member often bears disproportionate blame, which can erode trust and derail progress for the whole group.

This description fits best because it captures the defining move of scapegoating—projecting collective problems onto one individual. Blaming the leader isn’t necessarily the defining feature since scapegoats can be any member; ignoring feedback and universal support are not defining aspects of scapegoating either.