Parasitic vs Predatory
Summary: Narcissism vs Sociopath. Traits with a different agenda. No matter the cost, they will manipulate.
Before you read, have a little insight, it may help centre matters: Masked Emotional Instability
Avoiding guilt and shame while still creating actions and statements. “the rules do not apply to them, abusing boundaries with little concern”. Creating a new narrative is justified. Both can be very dangerous; the covert type will play the victim with conflicting behaviour behind closed doors. False promises, do not believe them. The goals and objectives are created, then the behaviour is ignored, and the victim is blamed.
Psychology Today - The Risk Factors for Continuing the Cycle of Abuse
The sociopath enjoys having people feel unbalanced covertly; the narcissist will do the same, but the ego will pop, so supply is required.
VeryWellMind - What to Do If You or a Loved One Lack Empathy
VeryWellMind - Why Do People Blame the Victim?
Hare Psychopathy Checklist (Original) (PCL-22)
The narcissist is trying to keep their public image and people's opinions in control to hide and not feel guilt or shame.
Someone is hiding ‘something’; they are not hiding ‘nothing.’
BFL - Your Legal Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist – Narcissistic Abuse Explained
CH - Flying Monkeys. Unravelling the Origins of a Term in the Context of Domestic Abuse
The Role of Flying Monkeys in Domestic Abuse
Flying monkeys in the context of domestic abuse play various roles, all of which serve to reinforce the abuser’s control and manipulation:
Spread Disinformation: They may spread lies and rumours about the victim, often echoing the narcissist’s narrative to discredit and isolate the victim further.
Harassment and Intimidation: Flying monkeys can also engage in direct harassment, sending messages or making calls on behalf of the abuser, serving to intimidate and control the victim.
Spying and Reporting Back: In some cases, they act as the eyes and ears of the abuser, reporting back on the victim’s activities and state of mind.
Enabling Denial: Their actions can provide the abuser with plausible deniability, as the abuser can claim they are not directly responsible for the actions of others.
References:
Psychopathy Is - What are Personality Disorders?
APA Psyc Net - Borderline personality disorder as a female phenotypic expression of psychopathy?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)