What may start as a minor critique or casual remark soon turns into ongoing campaigns to convince the victim that their flaws define them. The narcissist magnifies and distorts these shortcomings, often to absurd degrees, leaving the victim feeling inferior, defective, and unworthy. This constant barrage of criticism makes the victim more dependent on the narcissist for approval and validation, as their sense of self-worth erodes over time. The victim internalizes this distorted view, making it easier for the narcissist to maintain control and manipulate their emotions. This exaggerated focus on flaws becomes a powerful tool in the narcissist’s arsenal, keeping the victim in a constant state of self-doubt and insecurity.
Next, they use dehumanization. Dehumanization is a core brainwashing technique employed by narcissists to strip their victims of their sense of self-worth and individuality. By treating their targets as less than human, narcissists gradually diminish the victim’s identity, reducing them to mere objects or extensions of themselves. This often manifests in behaviors such as belittling the victim’s emotions, invalidating their experiences, and disregarding their basic needs. The narcissist systematically erases any recognition of the victim’s humanity, making them feel unworthy of empathy, care, or respect. This emotional abuse leaves the victim feeling invisible, insignificant, and powerless.
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