19/01/2026
Manipulation: when people influence others in covert, unfair, or self-serving ways, often bypassing their free choice or exploiting emotional vulnerabilities.
Core Psychological Mechanisms Manipulators Use:
1. Intermittent Reinforcement
Unpredictable rewards keep you hooked.
This can create a cycle of
Affection → withdrawal → affection again
Your brain learns to “chase” the relief.
2. Fear–Obligation–Guilt (FOG)
You comply to avoid discomfort. For example:
Fear: “If you don’t, something bad will happen”
Obligation: “After all I’ve done for you…”
Guilt: “You’re hurting me by saying no”
3. Cognitive Dissonance
They create contradictions that confuse you. For example:
“I hurt you because I love you”
“You’re too sensitive, but everyone else agrees with me”
Your brain tries to resolve the conflict, often by doubting yourself
4. Power Imbalance
Manipulation thrives where one person has:
More emotional control
More information
More authority
Less accountability
You might be vulnerable if you:
1. Fear abandonment
2. Were taught to prioritise others’ needs
3. Doubt your perceptions
4. Have unresolved trauma or attachment wounds
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Slow the interaction (reducing intensity & urgency).
2. Anchor to Facts, not emotions
3. Watch patterns, not apologies
4. Maintain healthy boundary (calm, clear, non-negotiable).
5. Manipulation weakens your inner compass. Rebuild trust on self.
DO:
1. Journal events
2. Reality-check with safe people
3. Notice when you feel confused, guilty, or anxious after interactions (these are clues that something Is amiss).
[manipulation, relationships, friendships, communication, power, wellbeing, traut, faith, trauma bonding]
![[Therapist Life, did you know, awareness, behind the scenes, therapy, wellbeing]](https://img3.findhealthclinics.com/627/329/1458602416273291.jpg)
![Don’t give up, you are right on track! Fail, fall, rise! [change, healing, falling, relapse recovery, wellbeing]](https://img5.findhealthclinics.com/982/070/1456461589820707.jpg)
