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&Kuyken, 2014). The 5Ps model of psychological
formulation consists of precipitating, perpetuating,
predisposing, and protective factors to understand
their current problems(s). For the narcissistic victim-
survivor, a 5Ps formulation may include the following
factors: presenting issues (having lost one’s sense of self,
contributing to a lack of confidence and a discontinuity
with one’s past) precipitating factors (that contributed
to their involvement in an intimate relationship with
a harmful narcissist) perpetuating factors (involving
loss of friendships and social networks, combined with
difficulties [re]building them) predisposing factors
(involving traits that narcissists are likely to exploit) and
protective factors (such as job satisfaction, a close friend,
or a supportive family). The 5Ps model framework,
therefore, can help build an assessment framework for
current circumstances of the victim-survivor whilst
exploring prior deceptions in conjunction with healing
processes after cult indoctrination (see Tables 1 and
2). The following provides a concise summaries of key
deceptive behaviors adapted from Howard (2019) that
involve personal recovery considerations.
Love Bombing
This behavior is an attempt to emotionally manipulate
someone and gain their undivided attention.
Techniques include lavishing someone with gifts
bombarding them with excessive text messages, phone
calls, or emails giving compliments repeatedly
wanting commitment very early in the relationship
and insisting the other person is their soul mate, again,
very early in the relationship.
It may be especially pertinent for the victim-survivor
to reflect and consider if the narcissistic individual
used this technique towards them. Exploring this
manipulative technique is important to enable the
victim-survivor to safeguard against further or future
victimization, realizing that narcissists frequently use
it to entrap victims.
Gaslighting
Gaslighting involves the deliberate distortion of
information to make the victim question their reality
and sanity (Stark, 2019). This tactic weakens the
victim’s confidence and makes them more dependent
on the abuser for their sense of reality. Examples may
include the abuser distorting a victim’s information or
memories, thus making them feel they cannot rely on
their own recollections and judgments. These feelings
can lead to both a loss of self-esteem and confidence and
a loss of sense of self, thereby creating a dependency on
the abuser and greater control over the victim-survivor.
A psychologist, therapist, or other health and social
care professional may wish to explore the client’s
beliefs about themselves and where these have derived
from. Have these beliefs been influenced by gaslighting
behavior toward them? If so, then disentangling
one’s true beliefs about oneself from those created by
gaslighting will assist a victim-survivor in regaining
their sense of self, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Pathological Dishonesty
Frequently observed in narcissists, pathological lying
can involve habitual or compulsive lying, sometimes
without clear purpose or benefit (Dike, Baranoski, &
Griffith, 2005). This form of lying serves to enhance
the narcissist’s self-image, manipulate their partner,
and deflect blame. Partners of narcissistic individuals
often find themselves entangled in a web of lies, which
erodes their ability to trust their own judgment and
further isolates them from potential support networks.
Some victim-survivors may be carrying shame,
frustration, or anger connected to having been
repeatedly lied to. They may be angry towards the
narcissistic abuser when they come to realize the extent
of dishonesty used against them. They also may feel
degrees of shame and guilt about not having recognized
this dishonesty, or how they pushed warning signs and
evidence to the back of their minds (albeit for self-
preservation and relationship-maintaining reasons).
Presentation of a False Self
A highly narcissistic individual can create a false self to
form the trusting bonds required from their partner.
After recognizing the narcissistic individual’s true self,
victim-survivors have referred to this realization as the
mask being removed or the mask slipping.
Realizing a trusted person or intimate partner is not the
person you thought they were is often an overwhelming
psychological trauma. A previously kind and

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Vickie Howard, Amina Adan, Charles Attwood |Escaping the Narcissist’s Worldview
considerate person who seemingly turns into a monster
may be the first time that a highly narcissistic person
shows their true thoughts and actions. The first few
times a narcissist does so, the victim may dismiss these
revelations, but at some point, they no can longer avoid
the evidence of the narcissist’s danger. Often the victim
will liken the realization to experiencing grief and a
severe loss—what one researcher called mourning the
living dead (Clough, 2019). The experience is deeply
wounding and disturbing, and it severely impacts a
victim’s outlook about the world and their own life.
Abuse Amnesia
This term refers to a scenario in which the narcissistic
individual claims not to recall abuse they have inflicted
or even recognize their harmful behavior as abusive.
Abuse amnesia is an example of the narcissistic
individual avoiding responsibility and accountability
for harm and distress that they have caused and is a
form of gaslighting behavior. The victim-survivor may
need support in reclaiming their experiences after
receiving no ownership from the abuser themselves
about the harm they caused.
Triangulation
This dynamic often occurs when the narcissistic
individual pulls in another person or persons to support
the abusive dynamic they are inflicting on a victim. In
an intimate relationship, the narcissistic individual
may involve a family member or friend who will tell the
victim that they are the unreasonable party or the one
at fault in the relationship. Establishing a triangulating
relationship that blames the victim and exonerates the
abuser is another example of a narcissist’s successful
but harmful manipulation.
Originating from a single abusive dynamic perpetrated
by the narcissistic individual, triangulating connections
can infiltrate many relational situations. Ultimately, the
dynamics of triangulation may cause either repairable
or irreparable damage with family, friends, and other
individuals in the victim-survivor’s social circle. It may
extend to reputational damage impacting employment,
from techniques such as smearing, which involves the
narcissistic individual circulating lies about the victim-
survivor.
The Silent Treatment
The narcissistic individual ceases communication with
the victim, leaving them in a state of confusion. This
cessation may cause the victim to wonder what they
have done wrong, blame themselves, feel isolated and
hopeless, and overcompensate by trying to win back
the narcissistic individual’s approval and attention.
Recognizing past periods of isolation and loneliness
and accepting that they were the result of behaviors
of the narcissist, and therefore, were not the victim-
survivor’s fault or responsibility.
Future Faking
Narcissistic individuals offer wonderful, exciting future
plans, which draw a victim towards them. Over time,
the victim comes to realize that these plans have not
materialized and probably never will. They were,
however, a hook to keep the victim committed to the
narcissistic relationship. Recovery involves identifying,
then exploring, feelings and costs related to losses
from the fake promised plans (e.g., a special holiday,
a new home, having a family). Healing will involve
identifying why the plans and related aspirations were
so important, and what the victim can learn from them.
Disregard of Victim’s Possessions and Denial of
Choices
Narcissists inflict pain, disregard the victim’s
possessions, and deny their choices to show a victim the
limitless costs associated with elevating individuality
over their own coercively narcissistic wishes. From a
victim’s perspective, challenging narcissists may seem
more costly than acquiescing.
Healing involves assisting the victim’s grieving over
the loss of treasured possessions while focusing on
reclaiming control over their life. Assistance may
involve helping the survivor rebuild a safe and
affirming environment that reflects their preferences
and choices. It also may involve helping the person
to detach from material losses to prioritize emotional
healing and resilience.
Honing Strengths and Hope
Supporting a victim-survivor of narcissistic abuse in