Recognising Narcissistic Abuse and the Implications for Mental Health Nursing Practice

Abstract

Emotional and psychological abuse are components of what are now more commonly accepted as aspects of domestic violence in addition to physical assault. Narcissistic abuse formulations of domestic violence are lesser known concepts and not recognised in UK health care in general, nor commonly in UK mental health services and by default mental health nursing. The effects on the individual who has experienced narcissistic abuse can be fatal or extremely debilitating, long lasting and individual recovery can be a complex process. This article will argue that the language and formulation of narcissistic abuse should be at the forefront of the multidisciplinary team's, and in particular mental health nurses' knowledge in order that victims can be directly supported or signposted to support to enable timely interventions and in-depth understanding.

Pathological narcissism: An analysis of interpersonal dysfunction within intimate relationships

“…Recognizing 'narcissistic' abuse has been highlighted as a priority area for effective mental health care practice (Howard, 2019). Investigating the links between narcissism and abuse perpetration, Lowenstein et al (2016) report on the roles of emotion dysregulation and narcissistic grandiosity which can 'present a direct pathway to serious violence' (p. 8).…”

Summing Up Volume #40, Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Issues in Mental Health Nursing, and Looking Ahead to 2020

“…I do not want to give short shrift to the contributions of many other authors to Volume 40, whose papers were not part of a "special issue." Among the thought-provoking and valuable articles published in 2019 were papers on men with an eating disorder (Lyons, McAndrew, & Warne, 2019); victims of narcissistic abuse (Howard, 2019); problems of youth whose parents are incarcerated (Boch, Warren, & Ford, 2019); mental health needs of refugee women (Felsman, Humphreys, & Kronk, 2019); and refugee children (Cleary, West, Foong, McLean, & Kornhaber, 2019). A welcome trend this year is an increase in the number of letters to the editor, a healthy indicator of reader engagement and desire to respond.…”

“The end justifies the memes”: A feminist relational discourse analysis of the role of macro memes in facilitating supportive discussions for victim-survivors of narcissistic abuse

“…Narcissistic abuse describes a form of abuse inflicted by individuals exhibiting severe narcissistic traits and associated patterns of abusive behaviour. It has been connected to underlying constructs of intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse, and coercive control (Durvasula, 2019;Howard, 2019). It differs however from other forms of abuse, as the narcissistic abuser uses complex mechanisms of deception as both covert and direct forms of abuse towards the victim (see Howard, 2022;Milstead, 2018).…”

“…Emerging studies highlight the importance for women of identifying specific traits such as narcissism exhibited by their abusive partner to make sense of their partner's characteristics and to support personal healing processes (Howard, 2022;Marsden et al, 2022). However, it remains an under-recognised phenomenon, especially in the UK (Howard, 2019). We propose it is an important area for research in both supporting victim-survivors to understand and validate their experiences and in educating wider society about its features, harmful effects and in the development of supportive interventions.…”

“…Due to a lack of awareness and understanding from mainstream health and social care services, social media platforms worldwide are often used as sources of information and support for people affected by narcissistic abuse (Howard, 2019). Facebook is a popular social media platform which provides online forums enabling victimsurvivors of narcissistic abuse to discuss their experiences with user posts that include direct expressive posts and internet memes.…”