Find out if you are a victim of narcissistic abuse by taking the following quiz.
Who Is The Narcissist?
In psychology, narcissism can either be a personality trait or a mental health disorder.
Narcissism As A Mental Health Disorder
Narcissism is one of 10 personality disorders. Experts estimate that up to 5% of people have NPD. (*)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) describes NPD as “A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following”:
1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
3. Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
4. Requires excessive admiration.
5. Has a sense of entitlement (i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).
6. Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends).
7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.”
Note: Only a licensed professional in the field of mental health can make a diagnosis of any personality disorder, including NPD.
Narcissism As A Personality Trait
When diagnostic criteria for NPD are not satisfied, narcissism can be a personality trait.
Narcissism can be described as a lack of empathy and self-absorption.
Related: How To Set Boundaries With Narcissistic Parents?
What Is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional abuse that comes from someone with narcissistic tendencies.
People with narcissistic tendencies have low empathy, which can cause them to hurt and abuse others.
Narcissistic Abuse Techniques
Narcissistic abuse includes the use of the following manipulation techniques:
Gaslighting: when someone is trying to gaslight you, they’re trying to sow confusion and make you doubt your own reality by twisting or distorting facts.
Triangulation: when someone is using triangulation, they will pull a third person into your conflict to reinforce their position.
Hoovering: This tactic is used to “suck” victims back into toxic relationship cycles. The narcissist may engage in love bombing, stalking, or smear campaigns to vacuum up any happiness or positivity the other person may be experiencing.
Guilt-Tripping: In order to maintain a sense of control and power, the narcissist might make accusations to provoke you into feeling guilty.
These tactics can damage your self-esteem over time.
Related: 8 Stages Of Healing After Narcissistic Abuse (+FREE Breakup Recovery Worksheets)
Are You A Victim of Narcissistic Abuse Quiz
#1. Do they often try to make you look bad in front of others in order to maintain their image of perfection?
#2. Do they shift the blame whenever you point out problems or question their behavior?
#3. Do you often second-guess yourself after leaving the interaction?
#4. Do they often completely ignore and overstep your boundaries?
#5. Do they often give you the silent treatment until you do what they want?
#6. Are they nit-picky, criticizing you for everything, including your behavior, appearance, and even the sound of your voice?
We will not sell your information. All results are kept confidential.
This quiz is for informational purposes only. It is not meant as a diagnostic or assessment tool.
Results
The questions above represent common signs of narcissistic abuse. If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you may be a victim of narcissistic abuse.
Related: How To Get Revenge On A Narcissist? (In Relationships & At Work)
How To Find Help?
Narcissistic abuse can take a significant toll on mental and physical health.
It is especially isolating when you feel unsupported by your loved ones because the abuse is covert.
Therapy can offer a safe space to make sense of your experience, process what happened, reframe your distorted beliefs about yourself and the world, and rebuild your sense of self.
Psychologist Locator and the National Register are two websites for locating psychologists in the USA.
Online therapy is also an option. It can be much more affordable than in-person therapy, but can be equally effective. (source)
I recommend Online-Therapy (20% off) or Calmerry (30% off with the code CARE) for affordable online therapy.
