While manipulative personalities often stem from nuanced places — from family trauma, to personality changes, and even from a sense of adversity that hardens a person's sense of empathy and self — ...

Navigating relationships can be confusing, especially when emotions are involved. Sometimes, what seems like affection might actually be manipulation in disguise. It's crucial to recognize these ...

Abusive behavior is not always obvious. Here are some of the mechanisms controlling individuals use to keep their partners silent and disempowered. When we think of an unhealthy relationship, we often ...

"Manipulation" is a term that is often used within the annals of relationship and forensic psychology. It often refers to attempts to control or change a situation or someone else's behavior. I prefer ...

Last year, I published a popular blog post that sought to outline a few go-to methods for manipulative parenting. As stated therein, parenting is all about guiding a child's development. But when ...

Manipulation often conjures images of calculated schemes and overt coercion. However, the reality is that many people engage in manipulative behaviors without conscious intent, often through the ...

Tension: Charm in public can cloak coercion in private, leaving victims doubting their own perceptions against the crowd’s applause. Noise: Social proof equates likability with goodness, muting red ...

A psychologist gives you a peek at their playbook.

Tension: Reassuring words can mask power plays; what sounds caring may quietly corral your choices and rewrite your narrative. Noise: Feel-good communication advice equates positivity with kindness, ...

She may not intend to be manipulative, but her words indicate otherwise. Have you ever talked to a woman and thought, "She's a bit controlling"? People often let their guard down when hanging out with ...