20 Diversion Tactics Highly Manipulative Narcissists, Sociopaths And Psychopaths Use To Silence You

Shahida Arabi's article, published on www,thoughtcatalog.com, explores the manipulative tactics employed by narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths to control, degrade, and silence their victims. These tactics include gaslighting, projection, and circular arguments, which distort the victim's reality and deflect accountability. By undermining their targets’ confidence and creating emotional chaos, toxic individuals maintain control over relationships and prevent meaningful challenges to their behavior. Recognizing these behaviors is essential to reclaiming autonomy and establishing boundaries.

Arabi emphasizes strategies for resistance, such as grounding oneself in reality, documenting incidents, and seeking validation from a supportive community. By understanding these manipulations, victims can avoid falling into the traps of blame-shifting, emotional baiting, and control tactics, while focusing on their self-worth and well-being. She advocates cutting ties with toxic individuals and prioritizing self-care as steps toward healing and empowerment.

Shahida Arabi, a Harvard and Columbia graduate, is a published researcher and author whose widely translated books on narcissistic abuse have been featured in major publications like Psychology Today, HuffPost, and VICE.