Narcissistic Personality Disorder According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts. Individuals with…
Gaslighting: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used in emotional and psychological abuse that makes victims question their own reality, instincts, and perceptions. It’s an insidious form of abuse where the perpetrator distorts the truth, making the victim feel “crazy” or incapable of trusting themselves (Shafir,…
What Is People-Pleasing? People-pleasing is the emotional drive to satisfy others’ needs at the expense of your own. While helping others is generally positive, when it becomes detrimental to your health and happiness, it can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a loss of self-identity. Often rooted in learned behaviors (Payne, 2022), people-pleasing can take…
Statistics on Sexual Assault in the United States in 2023 According to the 2024 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 481,020 Americans aged 12 and older were victims of sexual assault or rape in 2023, showing a slight decrease from 2022’s figure of 531,810. Importantly, reporting rates have increased significantly, with 46% of…
