How Psychological Abuse Damages Your Self

Psychological abuse leaves no visible marks and often remains hidden within families, romantic relationships, toxic individuals and groups, cults and organizations of various religious and non-religious orientations. However, it is at least as damaging as the more explicitly violent forms of physical and sexual abuse. Mental, emotional and spiritual abuse leaves lasting damage to a person’s sense of self, confidence and ability to navigate life successfully. It often takes considerable time for psychological abuse to be recognized for what it is. Perpetrators are masters at manipulation and creating a harmless facade behind which they use a range of techniques to keep their victims in line. Control Various forms of control are used to undermine their victims’ independence: monitoring the individual’s actions, censoring and discouraging social connections, limiting  access to support, creating financial dependence, dictating lifestyle and how the person functions in life. Techniques of control are intended to isolate the victim and position the abuser at the center of their world. In the individual subjected to them a sense of helplessness and hopelessness is created that can be used for further manipulation. Punishments and Rewards In domestic relationships, abuse may be followed by apologies, promises of it never happening again or periods of harmony. Toxic groups may enforce strict rules but also offer more positive activities to encourage compliance and overri...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Bullying Relationships Trauma Women's Issues Emotional Abuse Manipulation Psychological abuse Self Awareness self-compassion Self-Esteem Source Type: blogs