Scapegoating [Sic]: Dynamics and Intervention

¶ … Scapegoating [sic]: Dynamics and intervention in group counseling (Journal of counseling and development, July 1, 2002)

The article Scapegoating [sic]: Dynamics and intervention in group counseling (Journal of counseling and development, July 1, 2002), by Arthur J. Clark focuses on the phenomenon of "scapegoating" [sic], or assigning one individual the role of scapegoat, within group counseling (and usually family counseling) settings. As this article suggests, the phenomenon of making one individual a family "scapegoat" during family counseling sessions enables the entire family to effectively deflect attention away from actual root causes of the distress that brought the family to counseling in the first place.

Scapegoating [sic]: Dynamics and intervention in group counseling focuses on how the phenomenon of choosing a group scapegoat, once it occurs, negatively impacts the overall dynamics of the group, and the counseling of that group. The article next explores how counselors can (and why they should) intervene, in order to re-establish the equilibrium of the group, and thus proceed with constructive, meaningful, and therapeutic counseling.

Toward that end, Clark discusses three key functions of "scapecoating" [sic] within group counseling settings. These are (1) "Intrapsychic [sic] Functioning of Scapegoating [sic]"; (2) "Interpersonal Functioning of Scapegoating [sic]," and "Whole Group Functioning of Scapegoating [sic]." As Clark states:

In group counseling settings, the prevalence of scapegoating [sic] is common.

Yet the dynamic has not received the attention it deserves, especially in light of its prominence in the family therapy literature (e.g., Scheidlinger, 1982 (Token 1972), which suggests that it is an important factor when working with any group.

Therefore, although the content of this article is perhaps most germane to family counseling, it also carries implications for other group counseling settings, since any group may choose a scapegoat, in order to draw attention away from core group issues at hand. Group treatment of a scapegoat himself or herself, as Clark further suggests, will function distinctly, at different stages of group counseling. In general, however, Clark notes, "scapegoating," at whatever stage of group process, provokes particular "defense mechanisms," within group counseling processes, that necessitate counselor intervention, in order to re-establish group equilibrium.