"I know what's best for you...better than you do." Sound familiar?
If you are in an intimate relationship that has emotional psychological abuse, you know this message, whether delivered directly or indirectly. The message says, "You need to trust my wisdom--over your own--regarding issues specific to you."
Now, when you are living in an abusive relationship, you even come to recognize the subtle reinforcement "routine" employed to help you buy into this propaganda. You might observe reprimand or the withholding of something you desire when you resist the other person's conclusions/recommendations. And conversely, you are showered with positive "reinforcers" when you yield to the believe system.
Read Dr. King's entire article Emotional Psychological Abuse: Who Knows What's Best for You?
Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D., our official Abusive Relationships Expert
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