For example, the narcissist may demand that the victim be more independent while simultaneously criticizing them for not being attentive or submissive enough. If the victim asserts their independence, they are punished for neglecting the narcissist’s needs. If they prioritize the narcissist, they are chastised for being too dependent. This creates a no-win situation for the victim, trapping them in a constant state of anxiety, guilt, and frustration. The double bind erodes the victim’s sense of agency, leaving them feeling trapped and unsure of themselves. Over time, this technique breaks down the victim’s ability to trust their own judgment, making them increasingly reliant on the narcissist for direction and approval.
By controlling the victim through these impossible dilemmas, the narcissist deepens their psychological hold and reinforces the victim’s emotional dependence. Next, many of them use spiritual abuse tactics to brainwash a target. Spiritual abuse is a particularly damaging brainwashing technique narcissists use to manipulate their victims by exploiting their faith, values, or spiritual beliefs. Narcissists may weaponize religion, spirituality, or moral values to control, shame, or dominate their targets, often twisting sacred teachings or spiritual principles to serve their own agenda.
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