Family therapists believe that roles such as scapegoat and bully may help the family take the focus off the real conflict in the family. True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is True.
Family therapists often use the concept of family roles to explain how individuals within a family can unconsciously adopt certain patterns of behavior. Roles such as “scapegoat” and “bully” may be seen as defensive mechanisms that divert attention away from underlying issues, preventing the family from addressing the root cause of the conflict.
The scapegoat is typically an individual, often a child, who takes on the blame for the family’s problems, regardless of their actual involvement. This person becomes the target for family frustration, anger, and anxiety. By focusing on the scapegoat, the family can avoid dealing with more complex issues, such as parental conflict, unresolved emotional issues, or financial stress.
The bully role, on the other hand, may manifest in one family member who uses aggression or intimidation to exert control, often masking deeper insecurities or emotional pain. The bully may dominate family interactions, shifting attention away from more subtle, uncomfortable problems. This role also helps to maintain a sense of order, albeit dysfunctional, in the family system, allowing other members to avoid confronting their own emotional challenges.
These roles are often a way for the family system to preserve a sense of balance, albeit an unhealthy one. By assigning certain members specific roles, the family unconsciously avoids confronting the actual issues that may be causing distress, such as poor communication, unresolved grief, or dysfunctional relational dynamics. A family therapist would work with the family to help them recognize these roles and bring the focus back to the real, underlying conflict.
In therapy, helping family members to shift out of these roles and confront their emotional issues directly can lead to healthier interactions and deeper healing.