Feedback needed on the use of the term "Narcissistic Abuse"
September 7th, 2021
Hello everyone, recently we are focusing on making this forum a space safe for people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder to share their stories and receive support.
Our concern: We are concerned about the term "Narcissitic Abuse" perpetuating stigma towards people with narcissistic personality disorder.
We are considering developing guidelines for our subcommunity which ensure safety and no systematic prejudices, so we need your input in deciding the best course of action.
Content Warnings may apply. (Mentions of Abuse)
Description of the issue:
"Narcissistic abuse refers to the emotional, physical, sexual, or financial forms of abuse that a narcissist inflicts on others."
Abuse is abuse and the experience of those who have been abused is valid, but no disorder is abuse in and of itself, it is commonly understood that anyone can be a perpetrator of abuse including the kind of abuse described by the term "Narcissistic Abuse" without even having any traits of NPD.
Use of the term "Narcissistic Abuse" can be alienating to people with NPD.
The term stereotypes people with NPD as abusers.
Clinical terms like Narcissist should not be reduced to labels and used in common discourse to stereotype behaviors. Especially with negative connotations.
It sets an image of what one is perceived as from society, this negative image becomes a huge barrier in seeking support or being heard.
The term "Narcissistic Abuse" is not recognized in psychology or health care as a valid term, it's origins are more in literature and public/sociological discourse.
Please answer the following questions:
Q1. Do you have NPD or a Cluster B Personality Disorder?
Q2. Should the term "Narcissistic Abuse" be used formally on 7Cups?
Based on this discussion:
-We will rename the subcategory "Dealing with Narcissitic Abuse" into something else, or shift it to Trauma Support Altogether, after the renaming.
-Our Community Leaders will stop the use of the term "Narcissitic Abuse" in group discussions.
We are open to more suggestions.
Please keep this discussion respectful and preferably not engage with others who give a different opinion than yours, rest assured we will deeply consider this matter before deciding on what should be done.
Update 17th October
Guidelines have been updated in accordance with feedback received.
Personality Disorders Support & Online Community - 7Cups
Our concern: We are concerned about the term "Narcissitic Abuse" perpetuating stigma towards people with narcissistic personality disorder.
We are considering developing guidelines for our subcommunity which ensure safety and no systematic prejudices, so we need your input in deciding the best course of action.
Content Warnings may apply. (Mentions of Abuse)
Description of the issue:
"Narcissistic abuse refers to the emotional, physical, sexual, or financial forms of abuse that a narcissist inflicts on others."
Abuse is abuse and the experience of those who have been abused is valid, but no disorder is abuse in and of itself, it is commonly understood that anyone can be a perpetrator of abuse including the kind of abuse described by the term "Narcissistic Abuse" without even having any traits of NPD.
Use of the term "Narcissistic Abuse" can be alienating to people with NPD.
The term stereotypes people with NPD as abusers.
Clinical terms like Narcissist should not be reduced to labels and used in common discourse to stereotype behaviors. Especially with negative connotations.
It sets an image of what one is perceived as from society, this negative image becomes a huge barrier in seeking support or being heard.
The term "Narcissistic Abuse" is not recognized in psychology or health care as a valid term, it's origins are more in literature and public/sociological discourse.
Please answer the following questions:
Q1. Do you have NPD or a Cluster B Personality Disorder?
Q2. Should the term "Narcissistic Abuse" be used formally on 7Cups?
Based on this discussion:
-We will rename the subcategory "Dealing with Narcissitic Abuse" into something else, or shift it to Trauma Support Altogether, after the renaming.
-Our Community Leaders will stop the use of the term "Narcissitic Abuse" in group discussions.
We are open to more suggestions.
Please keep this discussion respectful and preferably not engage with others who give a different opinion than yours, rest assured we will deeply consider this matter before deciding on what should be done.
Update 17th October
Guidelines have been updated in accordance with feedback received.
Personality Disorders Support & Online Community - 7Cups
