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4 Signs of Narcissistic Persecution During The Individuation Phase.

Sherile Turner-Myles
7 min readFeb 20, 2023

Narcissists are notorious for their self-centeredness and lack of empathy for others. However, many people don’t realise that narcissists can also go through a phase of personal growth and development known as individuation. During this phase, narcissists may become more focused on their own identity and independence, often at the expense of their relationships with others.

Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash

Narcissistic behaviour is complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to why a narcissist may individuate. However, individuation can be a part of the cycle of narcissism, and it often happens when the narcissist feels that their sense of self is threatened in some way. Individuation is a process of separating from others and establishing a unique identity. For a narcissist, this can be a way to assert their independence and gain more control over their relationships.

At the same time, individuation can be driven by a deep sense of insecurity and a fear of abandonment. Narcissists often have fragile self-esteem and may feel threatened by anything that they perceive as criticism or rejection. Individuation can be a way to protect themselves from these perceived threats by becoming more self-reliant and less dependent on others for validation and support.

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Sherile Turner-Myles
Sherile Turner-Myles

Written by Sherile Turner-Myles

I write about Covert Narcissism and other Personality Disorders, and how they impact relationships.

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