When a scapegoat decides to go ‘no contact’, it means that they are disengaging from the abuser or their toxic environment and refusing to have any contact with them. This can be done for a number of reasons, such as protecting one’s mental health, seeking necessary distance to heal, or simply to put a stop to the abuse.
Going no contact can be an empowering step on the path to recovery, and it should be done in a safe way.
The effects of going no contact may differ depending on the individual, but typically it can be a positive step as it signals to the abuser that the scapegoat’s agency is respected and needs to be taken seriously.
Additionally, it can give the scapegoat the opportunity to disassociate from the toxic environment and focus on healing. It also eliminates any potential for communication and further abuse from the abuser.
Although going no contact can be beneficial for some, it can also cause difficulties, such as feelings of guilt, sadness, or anxiety. It can also be challenging to navigate relationships with individuals, who still maintain contact with the abuser.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the individual’s mental state and be aware of any negative effects that going no contact may have.
Does a scapegoat ever recover?
The answer to this question is not cut and dry. Depending on the situation, a scapegoat can certainly recover and rebuild their life, but it takes time, self-reflection, and often therapy to do so.
Someone who has been scapegoated likely experienced deep-seated trauma and hurt, and these feelings can linger for a long time. A scapegoat must take the time to heal and find ways to forgive those who wronged them.
This can include seeking out support such as counseling or group therapy, as well as exploring different coping skills like journaling or meditating.
In addition, it’s important for a scapegoat to find a sense of purpose and connection to the world outside of their own experiences. This could mean pursuing a new hobby, reconnecting with friends and family, or developing new skills in the workplace.
It is important to remember that even during the healing process, it is okay to take time for yourself and set boundaries when needed.
No matter the situation, recovery is possible. It may take hard work and dedication, but a scapegoat can rebuild their life in healthy and meaningful ways.
How does the scapegoat feel?
The scapegoat can feel a variety of emotions depending on their situation. For example, they may feel isolated, angry, powerless, and resentful if their suffering is not recognized and addressed. If the scapegoat is subjected to ongoing stress, anxiety, guilt, or fear due to the continued scapegoating, their emotional pain can be even more intense.
This can lead to the scapegoat feeling like they do not belong, or even to feelings of depression. In extreme cases, they may even develop destructive self-esteem and start to internalize the blame that is placed upon them.
Regardless of how the situation evolves, it is important to recognize that the scapegoat will likely be feeling a lot of distress as a direct result of the situation.
Is the scapegoat the strongest?
No, the scapegoat is not the strongest. The scapegoat can often be the most vulnerable individual, as they are typically targeted or blamed for issues or problems that are beyond their control or for the misdeeds of others.
This can be due to the scapegoat fitting a certain stereotype or being the ‘odd one out’ in a group or social situation. The scapegoat may be seen as a weakness or an easy target due to their assumed lack of power or influence.
They may also be chosen because they are unable to stand up for themselves or fight back, which makes them an easy target. Therefore, the scapegoat is rarely the strongest in any given situation.
How does a narcissist treat the scapegoat?
Narcissists can be incredibly harsh and cruel in the way they treat their scapegoat. This is because the narcissist has a deep-seated need to be validated and accepted, and sees the scapegoat as a threat to their need for approval.
The scapegoated individual often serves as a reflection of the narcissist, so the narcissist will devalue and criticize this person, attempting to take away their power, so that the narcissist can be seen positively in comparison.
The narcissist may blame the scapegoat for all of their problems, never actually taking responsibility for their own actions. They will do this by exaggerating and even fabricating stories, in order to manipulate and control the situation.
The narcissist may also use manipulative tactics to try and isolate the scapegoat and make them dependent on the narcissist, in order to maintain their level of control.
The narcissist will also use cruel insults and words to defame the scapegoat, in an attempt to reduce their status and make them feel insignificant. This can lead to the scapegoated individual feeling constantly attacked and as though their worth is diminished.
Overall, the way narcissists treat their scapegoats can be incredibly detrimental and damaging, as the individual is essentially being used as a tool in which to boost the narcissist’s sense of self.
This can lead to the individual feeling overwhelmed, hurt, and frustrated and can have long-term effects on their mental and emotional health.
What are the effects of being the family scapegoat?
Being the family scapegoat can have significant emotional, psychological, and social effects that can endure throughout one’s life. Those who are the family scapegoat typically feel like they don’t belong in the family and that their opinion has no value or importance.
This can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, depression, and even self-hatred.
Within the family structure, the scapegoat is often subject to undue criticism, blame, and other forms of emotional or psychological abuse. This is often done as a way for other family members to deflect attention away from their own wrongdoing or to maintain the family’s sense of harmony.
This misguided dynamics can lead to a multitude of negative consequences for the scapegoat, including anxiety, self-doubt, and poor interpersonal relationships.
The scapegoat may also find themselves in a position of trying to live up to the family’s expectations while simultaneously trying to hide the more unsavory aspects of their character. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness.
The longer the family scapegoat is subjected to this kind of abuse, the more detrimental the effects can be. Ultimately, the disregard and maltreatment experienced by the scapegoat can have long-lasting consequences, both emotionally and mentally.
It can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and stomach problems.
What type of person becomes a scapegoat?
A scapegoat is someone who is unfairly blamed for a problem, despite not actually being responsible. It is usually someone who is relatively powerless and thus cannot effectively stand up and defend themselves.
The type of person who often falls into a scapegoat role can vary depending on the situation. In the workplace, a scapegoat is often a junior employee, someone relatively new to the team, somebody without allies, or someone without a system of support.
Family scapegoats are often the child or adult who is different from the rest of the family in some way, perhaps because of a different lifestyle, different values, different beliefs, or simply because of the person’s physical characteristics or identity.
Scapegoating victims may also be vulnerable people who are seen as weak. People with mental health or physical health issues, those from minority groups or those who look or behave differently can all be targets of scapegoating.
In all cases, the common thread is that they are people who, for whatever reason, are more likely to be seen as victims, rather than as people who could fight back. Scapegoats are then targeted as a way of making them the easy target and deflecting blame away from the real cause of the issue.
Who suffers more the scapegoat or the golden child?
In many cases, both the scapegoat and the golden child can suffer in a dysfunctional family. The scapegoat is typically the “black sheep” of the family, who is assigned all the blame when something goes wrong and is often made to feel like an outsider.
This can result in a reduced sense of self-worth, difficulty connecting with others in relationships, as well as feelings of guilt and depression. On the other hand, the golden child is usually the “ideal child,” showered with love and attention, which can lead to feelings of entitlement and an inability to empathize with others.
They also may have trouble forming healthy relationships and can be very dissatisfied when they don’t achieve the same success in life that they’re used to.
Ultimately, one may not suffer more than the other. As both the scapegoat and the golden child live in an environment where their parents’ expectations are unrealistic and unattainable, they may both end up with a diminished sense of emotional security — something that can lead to lasting psychological issues.
What is the strength of the scapegoat in the narcissist family?
The strength of the scapegoat in a narcissist family is that they help protect the narcissist, who likely holds positions of power or control within that family, from taking responsibility for their own behavior.
The scapegoat is often a child in the family, and their role is to take on the brunt of the blame for any issues or problems that occur within the family. The intention is for the narcissist to deflect attention away from themselves and shift it to the scapegoat.
This works for the narcissist in the short term, although it can have long-term negative consequences for the scapegoat.
The scapegoat is usually the child who is most willing to accept blame and is the most malleable. Additionally, the scapegoat is usually resourceful and independent, which serves as a stark contrast to the narcissist’s demands for attention and validation.
Over time, the scapegoat can become exhausted from providing the emotional labor of taking on the blame in order to keep the family together.
In families where the narcissist dominates, the scapegoat provides a buffer between the narcissist and their flaws or mistakes. They are seen as the source of all the family’s problems, while the narcissist is seen as infallible and in control.
This can lead to immense feelings of guilt and confusion in the scapegoat as they struggle to understand why they are held responsible for the dysfunction and pain within their family.
Does the golden child suffer?
Yes, the golden child can suffer. While being the golden child problem can come with privileges and opportunities not afforded to others, it can also come with immense pressure and expectations. The golden child may struggle with maintaining their sense of self while also feeling the need to live up to the expectations placed on them.
They may also experience anxiety, depression, and self-doubt due to their inability to meet the demands of their parents. Additionally, they may be seen as disloyal or selfish if they push back against obligations and expectations, making it difficult to express their true feelings and needs.
Overall, the golden child can suffer both emotionally and mentally when placed in such an intense and demanding environment.
