Which term includes the family roles of hero, mascot, scapegoat, and lost child?

• A. Relapse Prevention Program
• B. Dysfunctional Family Roles
• C. Identification
• D. Stabilization

Answer: (B)

In family therapy and addiction counseling, the various ways family members cope with tension by taking on specific roles are described as Dysfunctional Family Roles. The hero, mascot, scapegoat, and lost child are classic examples of how a dysfunctional system assigns duties to its members to keep the family functioning on a fragile surface while underlying problems persist. The hero compensates with perfection and achievement to uphold the family image; the scapegoat becomes the focus of blame for problems, diverting attention from deeper issues; the mascot uses humor to deflect tension and keep things light; the lost child withdraws to avoid conflict and reduce demands on the family. Recognizing these roles helps explain how the family system maintains dysfunction and where to focus intervention, such as boundary setting, improved communication, and healthier coping strategies. The other terms don’t describe a labeling of family dynamics: relapse prevention is about avoiding relapse in substance use; identification refers to adopting another’s characteristics or identity in a psychological sense; stabilization concerns bringing a person or system to a steadier state but not naming family roles.