Yes, when the scapegoat leaves a highly narcissistic family, it is common for the family to designate a new scapegoat to take their place. In narcissistic families, there is often a dysfunctional dynamic where certain members are assigned specific roles to maintain the family's equilibrium and enable the narcissistic parent(s) to maintain control and manipulate the family dynamics.
The scapegoat is typically the family member who is blamed for all of the family's problems, conflicts, and shortcomings. They are often treated as the "bad" or "problematic" child and are subjected to constant criticism, belittlement, and emotional abuse. The narcissistic parent(s) may project their own insecurities and negative traits onto the scapegoat to preserve their self-image as perfect or faultless.
When the original scapegoat leaves the family, the narcissistic parent(s) and other family members may feel a void in the established dysfunctional dynamic. To preserve the family's dynamics and maintain the scapegoat role as a convenient target for blame, another family member is often chosen or naturally falls into the role of the new scapegoat.
The selection of the new scapegoat can depend on various factors, such as birth order, personality traits, vulnerabilities, or any perceived threats to the narcissist's control over the family. It may be a younger sibling of the original scapegoat or another family member who challenges the narcissist's authority or fails to conform to their expectations.
The new scapegoat may experience a similar pattern of mistreatment and emotional abuse as the previous scapegoat, perpetuating the dysfunctional family dynamics. This cycle can continue until the family confronts and addresses the underlying issues, which is often challenging due to the narcissistic parent's resistance to change and the enabler roles played by other family members who support the narcissist's behavior.
It's important to note that family dynamics in highly narcissistic families can be complex and can vary widely from one family to another. The scapegoat role and its consequences can have long-lasting effects on the mental and emotional well-being of the individuals involved, and seeking professional support and therapy can be essential for healing and breaking free from these harmful patterns.