The Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy as a Group Phenomenon

Only through the perspective of clinical social psychology is it possible to perceive and analyze pathological group processes.
With this new perspective, the "MSbP as a group phenomenon" in the field of autism is examined and presented as an example.
By analyzing it becomes clear that
- MSbP occurs much more frequently than previously assumed.
- Pathological behavior can be publicly carried out within group structures and still remain undetected for decades.
- the distribution of individual motives and actions among different actors within different subgroups has a stabilizing and legitimizing effect.
- The role of the perpetrator in the abuse is not limited to the primary caregivers.
- It is possible that the child could be harmed against the parents' actual will.