The Psychological Effects of Relationships with Individuals Having Narcissistic Personality Disorder on Victims
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26740/jptt.v16n02.p89-97Keywords:
Emotional manipulation narcissistic victims, narcissistic personality disorder, psychological effects, romantic relationshipsAbstract
Background: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by excessive self-admiration, a need for validation, and a lack of empathy, often leading to emotionally harmful relationship patterns. Objective: This study aims to explore the psychological effects experienced by individuals who have been in romantic relationships with partners diagnosed with NPD. Method: A qualitative approach was adopted using purposive sampling to select participants who had been in long-term relationships with NPD individuals. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and thematically analyzed. Results: Findings indicate that NPD partners typically begin relationships with intense idealization, which gradually shifts to criticism, manipulation, and emotional abuse. Participants reported emotional exhaustion, diminished self-worth, and symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the lasting psychological damage caused by such relationships, the need for strong social support systems during recovery, and the importance of raising awareness and providing psychological interventions. Further empirical research is encouraged to develop coping strategies and support mechanisms.
Abstrak
Latar Belakang: Gangguan Kepribadian Narsistik (NPD) ditandai dengan kekaguman diri yang berlebihan, kebutuhan akan validasi, dan kurangnya empati, yang seringkali mengarah pada pola hubungan yang merugikan secara emosional. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi dampak psikologis yang dialami individu yang pernah menjalin hubungan romantis dengan pasangan yang didiagnosis NPD. Metode: Pendekatan kualitatif digunakan dengan teknik purposive sampling untuk memilih partisipan yang pernah memiliki hubungan jangka panjang dengan individu NPD. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dan dianalisis secara tematik. Hasil: Temuan menunjukkan bahwa pasangan dengan NPD biasanya memulai hubungan dengan idealisasi berlebihan yang kemudian berubah menjadi kritik, manipulasi, dan kekerasan emosional. Partisipan melaporkan kelelahan emosional, penurunan harga diri, dan gejala mirip stres pascatrauma. Kesimpulan: Studi ini menyoroti kerusakan psikologis jangka panjang akibat hubungan tersebut, pentingnya dukungan sosial selama pemulihan, serta perlunya intervensi psikologis dan peningkatan kesadaran masyarakat. Penelitian lanjutan dianjurkan untuk mengembangkan strategi coping dan sistem dukungan yang efektif.
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