malignant narcissist parent – Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) Education™

malignant narcissist and family scapegoat

FSA and Malignant Narcissism: Impact and Recovery Strategies

by Rebecca C. Mandeville, MA
June 9, 2024June 15, 2024

Surviving Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) can leave lasting scars on individuals, impacting their mental and emotional well-being for years to come. At the heart of certain (not all) FSA dynamics lies the phenomenon of malignant narcissism, a complex personality disorder not included in the DSM-5. Malignant narcissism is characterized by a toxic blend of narcissistic, antisocial, and (at time) sadistic traits. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of malignant narcissism, its effects on victims of FSA, and strategies for healing and recovery.

The Scapegoat Child and the Malignant Narcissist Parent

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
July 6, 2022May 24, 2024
25 Comments

For the child victim of family scapegoating abuse (FSA), the ‘scapegoat story’ created by one or both parents (which the entire family invariably adapts and accepts unquestioningly) can negatively impact their mental and emotional health. When a parent is a malignant narcissist, the abuse the child experiences can be extreme, resulting in complex trauma (C-PTSD) symptoms secondary to grave psycho-emotional distress.