Mobbing, Bullying, Scapegoating and the script-healing

Introduction

The scenario I have outlined integrates depth-psychological, sociological, and transactional-analytic concepts into a dense analysis of bullying and scapegoating dynamics.

What follows is a structured elaboration of this model, bridging archaic patterns and modern forms of “script healing.”

This model does not view bullying as a random conflict, but as the enactment of an ancient, unconscious cultural script based on scapegoating.Healing does not occur through repression of aggression, but through formal analysis and reorganization of the ego states of all participants (Parent–Adult–Child model).

Part 1: The Archaic Matrix (The Unconscious Pattern)

I describe the anthropological core pattern of the scapegoat in archaic or indigenous societies, as also analyzed by René Girard:

The Crisis

A community falls into disorder due to external (natural disasters, epidemics) or internal tensions. Anxiety and aggression rise.

The Need for Reconciliation

The community longs for relief and order (“reconciliation with transcendence” / restoration of social peace).

The Projection

Diffuse collective aggression requires a target. The shaman (leader figure) identifies a “deviant.”The group projects its own fears and “sins” onto this person.

The Sacrifice

Through bullying and eventual expulsion (or killing) of the scapegoat, the accumulated aggression is collectively discharged.

The Catharsis

After the sacrifice, the community feels temporarily relieved, unified, and “purified.” Order appears restored.

Example: Jesus Christ

Theologically, this is often interpreted as the ultimate scapegoat sacrifice:one dies for the sins of all to reconcile humanity with God.

In this model, it represents a civilizational conflict encoded as a narrative deeply embedded in culture.

Part 2: Bullying in Civilization (The TA Model of Enactment)

In modern contexts, this archaic pattern is reenacted on a smaller scale (workplace, school, family).The PAC model (Parent–Adult–Child) is used to analyze roles.

1. The Leader / Bully (“The Perverse Shaman”)

He is the director of the script.

Role in PAC:

• Operates from a critical, authoritarian Parent ego state (P)

• or a rebellious/manipulative Child ego state (C)

• The Adult (A) is contaminated: it serves rationalization, not objective evaluation

Psychodynamics:

• Promises relief from inadequacy to the group

• Gains unconscious payoff: power, control, sadistic gratification

2. The Accomplices / The Group

They are the audience that becomes a chorus.

Role in PAC:

• Shift into an adapted Child ego state (C)

• Obey out of fear of exclusion

• Alternatively act from a pseudo-helpful Parent (P)(“We must protect the group from the deviant”)

Psychodynamics:

• Identification with the leader to stabilize their own fragile ego

• Payoff: not becoming the victim, remaining part of the “pure” group

3. The Scapegoat / The Victim

Carries the burden of projections.

Role in PAC:

• Forced into a defiant or depressive Child ego state

• Attempts to respond from Adult are ignored or reinterpreted as guilt

Psychodynamics:

• Often individuals already predisposed to a “not-OK” life script

• Or those whose difference triggers unconscious group conflict

Part 3: Script Healing through Transactional Analysis

Healing, in this model, means decontamination and establishment of the Adult ego state as the governing instance across all participants.

It is a formal restructuring, not a denial of conflict.

The Process of Healing (Deconstruction of the Pattern)

Step 1: Breakthrough of Awareness (Activation of the Adult)

Healing begins when one person (often the victim or an observer)awakens from the script’s hypnosis and analyzes the situation objectively.

Action:The Adult ego state asks:

• What is factually happening?

• Who says what to whom?

• What evidence exists?

• What emotional pattern is being recycled?

Step 2: Analysis of Transactions (Crossed Transactions)

The script depends on complementary transactions(e.g., Bully Parent → Victim Child)

Healing introduces crossed transactions to disrupt the pattern.

Example:

Bully (Parent):“You are responsible for the project’s failure!”

Victim (Adult instead of Child):“I hear your accusation. Let’s review the factual project data to determine what contributed to the current outcome.”

Effect:

• Emotional regression is refused

• The bully must either activate Adult or become exposed

Step 3: Exposure of the “Perverse Payoff”

The group (or external mediators) must identify the leader’s gain.

Analysis:Accusations are revealed as pretexts for power or defense against anxiety.The “shaman” loses authority when his motivation is psychologically decoded.

Step 4: Re-scripting Group Identity (From Child to Adult)

Healing occurs when the group stops functioning as an adapted Child.

New Script:

• The group tolerates tension without needing a victim

• The Nurturing Parent is activated to prevent scapegoating

• Responsibility replaces projection

Summary of Formal “Healing”

Dimension	Old Script (Archaic/Bullying)	New Script (Healed/TA)
Attitude	“I’m OK, you’re not OK” (bully) / “I’m not OK” (victim)	“I’m OK, you’re OK”
Control	Critical Parent + fearful Child	Integrated Adult
Process	Projection and sacrifice	Reality-testing and responsibility
Payoff	Temporary, perverse relief	Sustainable conflict competence

Final Insight

Healing does not lie in denying human aggression,but in transforming its archaic discharge mechanism (scapegoating)into civilized, adult communication and responsibility.