Psychological manipulation refers to the use of tactics or strategies to influence or control another person’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, often for personal gain or to meet one’s own needs. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, and can take many different forms, from subtle forms of persuasion to more overt forms of coercion.
Examples of psychological manipulation include:
- Gaslighting: This is a form of manipulation in which the manipulator denies or distorts reality, making the victim question their own perceptions of events or even their own sanity.
- Emotional blackmail: This involves using threats, guilt, or other forms of emotional pressure to manipulate someone into doing what the manipulator wants.
- Love bombing: This is a tactic in which the manipulator showers the victim with attention, affection, and praise in order to gain their trust and control them.
- Isolation: This involves cutting the victim off from friends, family, or other sources of support, making them more dependent on the manipulator and easier to control.
- Devaluation: This is a tactic in which the manipulator undermines the victim’s self-esteem and self-worth, making them more vulnerable to manipulation.
Overall, psychological manipulation can be a harmful and manipulative tactic that can lead to the victim feeling confused, disoriented, and powerless. It is important to recognize the signs of manipulation and to set boundaries to protect oneself from being manipulated.
©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023
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