Which statement is true about scapegoats?

• A. They are ignored.
• B. They are leaders.
• C. They are not part of the group.
• D. They are blamed for group problems.

Answer: (D)

In group dynamics, scapegoats are the members toward whom the group's problems are projected and blamed. The essential idea is that the defining feature of a scapegoat is being held responsible for issues the group as a whole struggles with, not that they are outsiders, leaders, or automatically excluded. This blame serves to externalize tension and reduce anxiety within the group, often shifting focus away from underlying patterns, norms, or systemic issues that need attention.

Blaming a scapegoat can feel like a quick way to restore a sense of cohesion, but it harms the individual and obscures what the group actually needs to address. In practice, a facilitator would help the group see how responsibility is distributed, separate the person from the behaviors or dynamics in play, and establish norms that address issues without targeting a single member. This makes it clear why the statement about scapegoats being blamed for group problems is the accurate one.