Parental Projective Identification: The Silent Abuse that Haunts You

In the realm of narcissistic abuse, there’s a covert and lesser-explored form known as “Projective Identification.” It’s a psychological maneuver, a subtle yet powerful tool often used by those with narcissistic tendencies.

Unlike more obvious forms of abuse, parental projective identification operates on a subconscious level, and has a profound impact on the recipient — the child of a narcissistic parent.

According to psychoanalytic thought, what makes projective identification different from ‘simple’ projection is that projective identification combines elements of both projection and introjection.

The projector thrusts their emotions, thoughts, or traits onto the recipient and induces a compelling psychological influence that prompts the recipient to internalize and identify with these projected elements.

This twofold nature turns the recipient into an unwitting collaborator in the drama, as they unknowingly assume the projected attributes as their own.

It is not just about one person projecting emotions outward but it binds the projector and the recipient in a shared ‘staged reality’, blurring the lines between self and other.

Experiencing parental projective identificationis can be likened to experiencing gaslighting throughout your life. The constant projection of your parent’s unresolved emotions, fears, or insecurities onto you creates a distorted reality where…