Defense Mechanisms in Group Counseling

Scapegoating: Dynamics and Interventions in Group Counseling

“…Group situations evoking threat and conflict among group members typically result in defensive reactions by individuals. Specifically, intense interpersonal exchanges associated with scapegoating often trigger member defense mechanisms of displacement, projection, and projective identification (Clark, 1991(Clark, , 1992(Clark, , 1997(Clark, , 1998aGazda et al, 2001). Displacement occurs in groups when one or more members redirect intolerable feelings to a vulnerable substitute.…”

“…Clients may also use projection in groups by attributing intolerable behavior to others that is characteristic of themselves (Clark, 1992;Gazda et al, 2001). A group member or projector assumes that other group members maintain negative feelings toward him or her, even though there may be no valid basis for this assumption.…”

“…In concert with knowledge about possible interactions relating to scapegoating, it is essential for a group counselor to apply effective interventions in responding to the phenomenon in a group setting. It is possible to suggest particular strategies and techniques in progressive stages of the group development process (Clark, 1992(Clark, , 1998a). In the formative or relationship stage of group, member threat and potential to scapegoat is generally high.…”