FAQs

Frequently asked Questions

Q1. What is a dysfunctional family?

Ans.1.A family is dysfunctional when conflict, neglect, and misbehavior are constant and everlasting. Modern psychology defines dysfunctional families as those with anxious systems within them. There is a tremendous amount of emotional disturbance within the family members, and it sometimes means that it is coupled with child neglect and abuse. (parenting.firstcry.com)

Q2. What is Mental Health?

Ans.2.Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

(https://www.mentalhealth.gov/)

Q3. What is Narcissism?

Ans.3.Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one's idealized self-image and attributes. The term originated from Greek mythology, where a young man named Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water. Narcissism or pathological self-absorption was first identified as a disorder in 1898 by Havelock Ellis and featured in subsequent psychological models, e.g. in Freud's On Narcissism (1914). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism)

Q4. What is NPD?

Ans.4.Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive craving for admiration, and struggles with empathy. People with NPD often spend much time daydreaming about achieving power and success, and the perceived injustice of failing to do so. This is a pattern of obsessive thoughts and an unstable sense of identity, often to cope with a sub-par real life. People with the diagnosis in recent years have spoken out about its stigma in media, and possible links to abusive situations and childhood trauma. Such narcissistic behavior typically begins in early adulthood and occurs across a broad range of situations. The causes of narcissistic personality disorder are unknown but theorized to be linked to certain types of traumas. The condition of NPD is included in the cluster B personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). A diagnosis of NPD is made by a healthcare professional interviewing the person in question. The condition of NPD should be differentiated from mania and substance use disorder. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder)

Q5.What is meant by a Scapegoat?

Ans.5. A family scapegoat is a person who is blamed for everything wrong that happens in the family. Their family members disrespect, hurt, and humiliate them. (https://themindfool.com/)

Q6. What is meant by an Invisible Child?

Ans6.The invisible or lost child does not receive praise or blame from his parent. This child is treated as if he does not exist. He is the forgotten one, the neglected one and, the unrecognized one. The narcissistic parent is not the least bit interested or aware of this child’s needs. She has absolutely no use for him. (https://randifine.com/roles-of-children-in-narcissistic-families/)

Q7. Who is a Golden Child?

Ans.7.He is the parent’s “chosen one.” The golden child is seen as an extension of the narcissistic parent. She lives vicariously through him. This child represents the parent’s perfect image of herself. He is either physically beautiful or has a talent that the parent finds impressive; something that gives her bragging rights. This child is chosen specifically for exploitation. The golden child can do no wrong. If the parent finds fault with the child, a perfect reflection of her own self-image, that would have to mean that something is wrong with her. So she elevates this perfect specimen that she created to a level of omnipotence higher than her own. She idolizes him as if he were god-like. But unlike an omnipotent god or goddess who reigns free and unencumbered, this child is her possession. The narcissistic parent tries to engulf and enmesh with the golden child as if the two of them were one. No boundaries between parent and child are established. This makes it very difficult for the child to separate or form his own identity. The expectations placed on the golden child are lofty. Whether through physical appearance, social graces, or performance, one of his primary jobs is to always make the parent look good. His other primary responsibility is to keep the parent happy. (https://randifine.com/roles-of-children-in-narcissistic-families/)

Q8. What is Trauma Bonding?

Ans.8.Trauma bonding is a psychological response to abuse. It occurs when the abused person forms an unhealthy bond with the person who abuses them. The person experiencing abuse may develop sympathy for the abusive person, which becomes reinforced by cycles of abuse, followed by remorse. Stockholm syndrome is one type of trauma bonding. (www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/trauma-bonding)

Q9. What is abuse?

Ans9. Abuse means to treat someone cruelly or violently. (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/abuse)

Q10.What is a "Smear Campaign"?

Ans10.A smear campaign also referred to as a smear tactic or simply a smear, is an effort to damage or call into question someone's reputation, by propounding negative propaganda. It can be applied to individuals or groups. Common targets are public officials, politicians, political candidates, activists, and ex-spouses. The term also applies in other contexts such as the workplace. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smear_campaign)

Q11. What is anxiety?

Ans11.Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. On the first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous. (https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety)

References:-

1. parenting.firstcry.com
2. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder
5. https://themindfool.com/
6. https://randifine.com/roles-of-children-in-narcissistic-families/
7. https://randifine.com/roles-of-children-in-narcissistic-families/
8. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/trauma-bonding
9. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/abuse
10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smear_campaign
11. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety