Devaluation is a common tactic used by narcissists to undermine and control their victims. This destructive behavior can have serious psychological consequences for those on the receiving end. Understanding why narcissists devalue and recognise the signs is crucial for anyone who wants to protect themselves from this toxic behaviour.
Devaluation is the act of making a person feel worthless, unimportant, and insignificant. The narcissist will actively belittle, criticise, and undermine their victim in order to manipulate and control them. This can take various forms, including verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, and withholding love and affection.
So why do narcissists devalue? The primary reason is to assert their power and superiority over their victims. By making others feel small and insignificant, the narcissist can feel a sense of control and dominance. Additionally, devaluation allows the narcissist to feed their own ego and boost their sense of self-importance.
Here are six examples of devaluation that narcissists commonly use:
- Verbal Abuse: This can include name-calling, insults, and harsh criticism aimed at making the victim feel inadequate and worthless.
- Emotional Manipulation: Narcissists may use guilt trips, gaslighting, and emotional blackmail to make their victims doubt themselves and their worth.
- Withholding Love and Affection: The narcissist may use emotional withdrawal as a way to punish and manipulate their victim.
- Sabotaging Success: They may undermine the victim’s achievements and success, making them feel unworthy and incompetent.
- Comparison to Others: Narcissists may constantly compare their victims to others, highlighting their flaws and shortcomings.
- Public Humiliation: They may publicly shame and embarrass their victims as a way to assert dominance and control.
If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from their devaluation. Here are some self-help steps:
- Recognise the signs: Educate yourself about narcissistic behaviour and learn to recognise the signs of devaluation.
- Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with the narcissist and stick to them. Refuse to tolerate any form of devaluation.
- Seek support: Surround yourself with a support system of friends and family who can provide validation and emotional support.
- Practice self-care: Engage in activities that boost your self-esteem and confidence. Take care of your physical and emotional well-being.
- Consider professional help: If you find it difficult to cope with the effects of devaluation, consider seeking therapy or counselling to help you heal and recover. https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw
Devaluation by narcissists can have a devastating impact on their victims, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. By understanding the motives behind devaluation and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim your self-worth. Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, and you have the power to create a life free from the destructive influence of narcissistic devaluation.
The Narcissist’s Devaluation. (Understanding Narcissism.)
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Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
