National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which role is the most likely to be scapegoated in dysfunctional families?

1. The Hero

2. The Mascot

3. The Lost Child

4. The Addict

The correct answer is: The Addict

In dysfunctional families, the role most likely to be scapegoated is the addict. This individual often becomes the focal point for family problems, receiving blame for a range of issues. The addict's struggles with substance use can lead to turmoil within the family dynamic, and as a result, they may be vilified as the primary source of dysfunction. This scapegoating can serve to distract from other underlying issues within the family system, allowing other members to avoid taking responsibility or addressing their own behaviors and contributions to the dysfunction. In contrast, while the Hero, Mascot, and Lost Child have distinct roles that may also experience various levels of blame or pressure, these roles tend to embody different family dynamics. The Hero often fulfills a role of responsibility and success in an attempt to compensate for the family's dysfunction, the Mascot uses humor to deflect tension, and the Lost Child may withdraw and go unnoticed. These roles, while important in family dynamics, do not typically attract the same level of direct blame in the same way that the addict does.