Scapegoating in family dynamics occurs when ...

• A. Blaming is used to shift focus to another family member.
• B. The therapist blames the client.
• C. The conflict is ignored.
• D. The family avoids talking about issues.

Answer: (A)

Scapegoating in family dynamics is when blame is aimed at one member to redirect attention away from the real problem and to keep the family’s functioning intact. The targeted member becomes the focus of criticism and responsibility for the conflict, even though the underlying issues involve the whole system. This mechanism helps others avoid accountability and reduces anxiety by projecting the problem onto the chosen individual.

That’s why blaming another family member fits best. The other options describe avoidance or shifting responsibility externally, rather than the specific dynamic of directing blame at a chosen family member to solve or mask the larger issue.