Dark psychology - Sveapsykologerna in DN
/Dark psychology is something that has started to appear everywhere, especially in social media. Sveapsykologernas David Waskuri participated in an article in DN and explained what it is really about and what you should pay attention to.
Dark psychology can often be difficult to detect and define, because it often involves something close to normal behavior. The key is whether there is a hidden agenda where the person practicing dark psychology has something to gain from getting you where they want.
Strategies in dark psychology
In the DN article, David Waskuri points out some strategies in dark psychology. The strategies mentioned are:
love bombing
reverse psychology
silent treatment
emotional blackmail
gaslighting
semantic method
limited options
Love bombing
Love bombing is what it sounds like, someone showering you with praise and kind words to get something from you. The example in the paper is someone praising you for being so strong and later that day asking if you can help them move this weekend.
Reverse psychology
It is when a person says one thing, but aims to get you to do the exact opposite. No one likes to be told what to do, and many times the reaction is to do the exact opposite.
Silent treatment
Silent treatment is perhaps more commonly known in English as silent treatment. This means that people use silence, ostracism and rejection to get others to do what they want.
Emotional blackmail
A strategy closely related to silent treatment is emotional blackmail, where people threaten, for example, to stop loving someone, blame someone else, and in other forms put themselves in the role of victim.
Gaslighting
A form of manipulation with the aim of making a person doubt their own memories and sanity. The aim is to break the person down, which is the result of starting to question their own mind in all respects.
Semantic approach
Semantic method is about deliberately making sure that the person you are talking to misunderstands. All with the aim of getting your own way.
Limited options
This method is another way of getting your way, but without saying it outright. It simply offers a few options, all of which are what you want and suggests that there are no other options.
Tackling dark psychology
The article also provides some tips on how to best deal with dark psychology.
First and foremost, it is about being aware that it exists, and what techniques and strategies are used. Being able to put the phenomenon into words is a first step.
It is also good to be aware of your own feelings and where your own limits are. What do you want as a person and what do you agree to because someone else wants it.
Think about whether you benefit from an arrangement or whether it is always the other person who benefits and is favored.
Confront the person using dark psychology in a gentle way initially, it may be that they are not using the strategies consciously. Ask if the person is expressing themselves or acting in a specific way to get you to agree to something they thought you didn't really want.
Dark psychology in close relationships
When you are regularly exposed to dark psychology in a close relationship, it will take its toll on you and you may need help to set boundaries that make you feel good. Sveapsychologists will help you find your boundaries and step by step be able to stand up for these boundaries. Contact us for help in dealing with people around you who use dark psychology.