Perspecticide is a term used to describe the act of imposing one’s own beliefs, values, and opinions on another person, especially a child. It is a form of psychological manipulation and can be damaging to the child’s development. It is important to remember that children should be allowed to form their own opinions and beliefs, and that it is not appropriate to force one’s own views on them.
Psychological manipulation of an adult child can take many forms, including guilt-tripping, gaslighting, and emotional blackmail. Guilt-tripping is when a parent or other adult figure uses guilt to manipulate the child into doing something they don’t want to do. Gaslighting is when an adult figure attempts to make the child doubt their own reality or memories. Emotional blackmail is when an adult figure uses threats or emotional manipulation to get the child to do something they don’t want to do.
Emotional blackmail to an adult child may involve a parent threatening to withhold love or approval unless the child does something they want. This could include making the child feel guilty for not spending enough time with them, or for not following their advice. It could also involve making the child feel like they are not living up to their parents’ expectations. Other forms of emotional blackmail may include threats of abandonment or of cutting off financial support.
©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023
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