In a narcissistic dynamic, the scapegoat is often the family member or individual who bears the brunt of the narcissist's negative emotions, criticisms, and blame. The mistreatment of the scapegoat serves several purposes for the narcissist:
Projection: Narcissists have difficulty accepting their own flaws and shortcomings. They tend to project their insecurities and negative traits onto others, especially the scapegoat. By blaming the scapegoat for their problems or failures, they can avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
Deflection: The scapegoat becomes a convenient target for the narcissist to redirect attention away from their own faults. By focusing on the scapegoat's supposed shortcomings, the narcissist can avoid scrutiny and maintain the illusion of their superiority.
Source of Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists crave attention and validation, even if it's negative. The scapegoat's reactions to mistreatment, such as frustration, sadness, or anger, provide the narcissist with a sense of power and control over them, which fuels their ego.
Maintaining the Family System: In family settings, the scapegoat often becomes the outlet for unresolved family conflicts and tensions. The narcissist may use the scapegoat as a way to maintain control over other family members, keeping them in line through fear or guilt.
Jealousy and Envy: If the scapegoat possesses qualities or achievements that the narcissist envies, they might lash out to diminish the scapegoat's accomplishments and maintain their sense of superiority.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists have difficulty empathizing with others. They may not fully comprehend the emotional impact of their mistreatment on the scapegoat and may not care about the pain they inflict.
Feeling Threatened: If the scapegoat challenges the narcissist's authority or refuses to comply with their demands, the narcissist may feel threatened. As a result, they may escalate their mistreatment as a means of control and punishment.
It's crucial to recognize that the scapegoating behavior is a reflection of the narcissist's personality and emotional issues rather than any fault of the scapegoat. Breaking free from a narcissistic dynamic can be challenging, and the scapegoat may benefit from seeking support from a therapist or counselor to heal from the emotional wounds inflicted by the narcissist's mistreatment.