Psychologist Explains How Manipulation and Narcissistic Behaviour Can Impact Mental Well-Being

Discussions about emotional manipulation, toxic relationships, and psychological boundaries are increasingly gaining attention across social media and podcast platforms. Mental-health professionals say that while the topic has become more visible in recent years, many people still struggle to recognize harmful emotional patterns in their everyday relationships.

In a podcast conversation with entrepreneur and host Raj Shamani, clinical psychologist Havovi Hyderabadwalla spoke about the subtle ways manipulation and narcissistic behaviour can affect an individual’s emotional well-being.

During the discussion, Hyderabadwalla explained that many people experiencing emotional manipulation may not immediately recognize what is happening. Instead, the impact often unfolds gradually, leading individuals to question their own thoughts, feelings, or perceptions.

Manipulation often works because the victim starts doubting their own reality, - clinical psychologist, Havovi Hyderabadwalla noted while explaining how psychological control can develop within relationships.

Experts say this pattern can be particularly harmful because it creates confusion and emotional distress over time.

How Manipulation Quietly Erodes Confidence Over Time

Psychologists explain that emotional manipulation rarely begins in an obvious or aggressive way. Instead, it often appears through subtle behaviors such as criticism, guilt-tripping, or constant attempts to influence another person’s decisions.

Over time, these behaviors can slowly erode an individual’s confidence and ability to trust their own judgement.

Hyderabadwalla explained that manipulation often works by altering the victim’s perception of events or conversations.

Manipulation often makes the victim question their own perception, - she said.

This dynamic is closely related to what psychologists sometimes describe as gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation in which one person repeatedly dismisses or distorts another person’s experiences. According to the American Psychological Association, gaslighting can cause individuals to question their own perception of reality and gradually lose confidence in their judgment.

When this pattern continues for a prolonged period, the person experiencing manipulation may feel increasingly uncertain about what is real, which can lead to anxiety, emotional fatigue, and self-doubt.

The Role of Narcissistic Behaviour in Toxic Relationships

Another important topic discussed during the conversation was narcissistic personality traits and how they influence relationship dynamics. Clinical resources from Mayo Clinic describe narcissistic personality disorder as a condition marked by an inflated sense of self-importance, a strong need for admiration, and a limited ability to empathize with others.

According to Hyderabadwalla, individuals with strong narcissistic tendencies often seek constant attention and admiration from those around them.

Narcissists constantly need validation and admiration,- she explained.

While a certain level of self-confidence is healthy, extreme narcissistic behaviour can disrupt emotional balance in relationships. Experts note that when someone constantly seeks validation or praise, they may become overly focused on their own needs and less attentive to the feelings of others.

One of the most defining characteristics of narcissistic behaviour is a lack of empathy.

A lack of empathy is one of the biggest traits of narcissism, Hyderabadwalla said.

Empathy—the ability to understand and respond to another person’s emotions—is considered a critical component of healthy relationships. When empathy is missing, conflicts can become more intense and emotionally draining.

How Emotional Conflict in Close Relationships Can Affect Mental Health

Mental-health professionals emphasize that emotional manipulation and narcissistic dynamics are not limited to romantic relationships. Similar patterns may also appear in friendships, workplaces, and even within families.

In many cases, individuals experiencing emotional pressure may feel trapped between maintaining harmony in the relationship and protecting their own emotional well-being.

For example, a person may feel obligated to meet unrealistic expectations or constantly seek approval from someone who rarely offers genuine support or understanding.

Experts say this type of ongoing conflict can lead to a range of psychological challenges, including:

• chronic stress

• anxiety

• emotional exhaustion

• reduced self-confidence

• difficulty making independent decisions

When these patterns continue over time, they may significantly affect a person’s overall mental health. Experts say prolonged emotional pressure in relationships can sometimes resemble emotional abuse, which organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline describe as behaviors that control, isolate, or psychologically harm another person.

Subtle Warning Signs of Emotional Manipulation Experts Say People Often Miss

One of the challenges in addressing emotional manipulation is that many people do not initially recognize the warning signs.

Because manipulation often develops slowly, the affected individual may gradually adapt to unhealthy behaviours without realizing how much their emotional well-being has been affected.

Psychologists suggest paying attention to certain patterns that may indicate unhealthy relationship dynamics, such as:

• feeling constantly blamed or criticised

• being made to feel guilty for expressing personal needs

• having one’s emotions repeatedly dismissed or minimized

• feeling confused after arguments or conversations

• experiencing pressure to prioritize another person’s needs over one’s own

Recognizing these signs can be the first step toward understanding the emotional dynamics at play.

Why Setting Personal Boundaries Is Key to Protecting Emotional Well-Being

During the podcast discussion, Hyderabadwalla emphasized that setting personal boundaries is one of the most effective ways to protect emotional well-being in challenging relationships.

Setting boundaries is important when dealing with toxic people,- she said.

Boundaries allow individuals to clearly define what behavior they consider acceptable and what crosses their emotional limits. Mental-health organizations such as Mental Health America emphasize that setting healthy boundaries is an essential step in protecting emotional well-being and maintaining balanced relationships.

Mental-health experts explain that healthy boundaries may involve:

• communicating personal limits clearly

• taking space from harmful interactions

• refusing to engage in manipulative conversations

• seeking professional support when needed

While setting boundaries can sometimes be uncomfortable—especially in long-standing relationships—it often helps restore a sense of control and emotional stability.

How Greater Awareness About Emotional Manipulation Can Protect Mental Well-Being

As conversations around mental health become more prominent in public discussions, experts believe that greater awareness about emotional manipulation and narcissistic behaviour can help people navigate relationships more effectively.

Podcasts, educational resources, and mental-health campaigns have played a role in encouraging individuals to recognize unhealthy patterns that may previously have been overlooked.

By understanding these dynamics, individuals may be better equipped to protect their mental well-being and seek appropriate support.

Experts also emphasize the importance of open dialogue within families, friendships, and communities. Honest conversations about emotional experiences can help reduce misunderstanding and build healthier connections.

What Psychologists Say About Building Healthier Relationships

Psychologists say that healthy relationships are built on several key principles, including mutual respect, empathy, and clear communication.

When individuals feel safe expressing their emotions without fear of judgement or manipulation, relationships are more likely to support emotional growth and well-being.

Conversely, when relationships are dominated by control, criticism, or emotional pressure, the psychological consequences can be significant.

Hyderabadwalla’s insights highlight the importance of recognizing these patterns early and prioritizing mental health when navigating complex relationship dynamics.

While every relationship is unique, mental-health professionals agree that awareness, boundaries, and supportive conversations are essential for maintaining emotional balance.