Q & A – What is the difference between invalidation & perspecticide?

Invalidation and perspecticide are both harmful experiences that can impact a person’s sense of self and wellbeing, but they have different meanings and implications.

Invalidation refers to the act of denying, rejecting, or ignoring someone’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences. It can happen in many different contexts, such as personal relationships, social interactions, and professional environments. When someone invalidates another person, they essentially communicate that the other person’s perspective is wrong, unworthy, or irrelevant. This can lead to feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and frustration, as the invalidated person may feel like their thoughts and emotions are not being seen or heard.

Perspecticide, on the other hand, is a term used to describe a more extreme form of invalidation that can occur in situations where people are subjected to sustained psychological pressure or trauma, such as in abusive relationships or cults. Perspecticide involves systematically dismantling a person’s sense of self and agency, and replacing it with a new, manipulated perspective that aligns with the abuser’s or group’s agenda. In this sense, perspecticide is a form of psychological manipulation that can have severe and long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.

In summary, while invalidation refers to the act of dismissing someone’s perspective or experience, perspecticide involves a more extreme and intentional form of invalidation that can result in significant harm to a person’s sense of self and autonomy.