Which term best matches 'gets in trouble and angry' as described in group dynamics?

• A. Scapegoat
• B. Mascot
• C. Lost child
• D. Entropy

Answer: (A)

In dysfunctional group dynamics, a key pattern is that one member ends up bearing the blame and becoming the focus of anger to absorb the group's tension. This person is the scapegoat, the member who gets in trouble or is punished as the group redirects its frustration away from leaders or broader issues. The scapegoat’s behavior—being singled out, criticized, and blamed—fits the idea of “gets in trouble and angry” because they are the target through which the group vent its discontent. Other roles describe different ways the group interacts: the mascot uses humor to ease tension, the lost child withdraws to avoid conflict, and entropy refers to the overall decline or chaos in the system rather than a person who absorbs blame. Thus, the term that best matches the situation is scapegoat.