7/27/22, 1:11 PM
Displacement and Scapegoating within a Dysfunctional Family
Displacement and The Development of a Scapegoat
within a Dysfunctional Family
fortbehavioral.com/addiction-recovery-blog/displacement-and-the-development-of-a-scapegoat-within-a-dysfunctionalfamily
December 25, 2019
Added By Fort Behavioral Health
Published: December 25, 2019
Updated: November 29, 2021
The American Psychological Association defines displacement as the transfer of
feelings or behavior from the originating source to another person or thing. It is
considered a defense mechanism where the person releases tensions associated with fear and
hostility and takes them out on a less threatening target. Evidence of this occurs in children
who may get angry at a parent and break a toy or yell at their sibling, instead of directing
their anger at the parent.
For example, an employee frustrated with work may go home and take out their aggression
on their spouse to release the tension they feel they cannot release towards their boss.
Displaced aggression is directing hostility away from the source of the aggression and can
lead to self-harm or harm towards others. Conversely, direct aggression aims aggressive
behavior at the source of the anger.
A scapegoat in the dysfunctional family model is the person targeted as the source of
frustration and displaced aggression. They are blamed for family issues and misfortunes,
when, in fact, the whole family has roles to play and responsibilities for the development and
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Displacement and Scapegoating within a Dysfunctional Family
persistence of the dysfunctional family.
Dr. Paul Steinhauer, a professor of child psychiatry at the University of Toronto, explained
what makes a child a scapegoat within a family back in 1978 that still rings true today. Dr.
Steinhauer described a situation in which the development of a child as a scapegoat resulted
from a mother’s pent-up guilt and frustration due to the death of the child’s father. The
mother’s negative feelings became displaced onto the child, who then assumed the scapegoat
role.
Various circumstances may lead to displacement issues from parents onto children. For
example, a child conceived to save a marriage may fall victim to displaced feelings and
resentments from either parent, particularly when the marriage dissolves anyway. It
becomes a cycle of dysfunction in which the child endures displaced tensions and aggression
from a parent, and they begin to act out and assume the scapegoat role, furthering their
parent’s aggression and tensions towards them. These negative emotions can lead to selfharm, adolescent substance use, and subsequent addictions.
Seeking Help?
Displacement is a common occurrence in dysfunctional families, and particularly when
dealing with addiction to drugs or alcohol. The pain of certain life events can cause someone
to lash out and displace anger onto their family members. Anger and unresolved issues can
lead to addictions to drugs or alcohol, and when left unresolved, these issues become worse.
Addiction affects not only the addicted individual but their friends and family as well. At Fort
Worth Recovery, we understand the multi-faceted face of addiction and seek to provide a
safe, nurturing atmosphere for lifelong recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling
with addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at 844.986.0260 or visit us online.
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