The link between personality disorders, codependency, and parental alienation reveals a complicated web of psychological interactions. Parents with personality disorders, particularly Cluster B personality disorders like narcissistic, borderline, histrionic, and antisocial personalities, often exhibit extreme and erratic behaviours that can significantly impact their children. These disorders are characterised by difficulties controlling anger, vindictiveness, impulsive outbursts, rage when criticised, lack of empathy, and aggressive behaviour. Parents who emphasise the faults and flaws of the other parent, create an environment where children feel compelled to align with them (the emotionally unstable parent) in an attempt to placate them. This behaviour contributes to alienating children against the other parent over time. Parents with personality disorders tend to overlook their own problematic behaviour, making it challenging to acknowledge their contribution to any problems.
Co-dependency, which often results from insecure attachment patterns, can further intensify the negative impact of parental personality disorders. Co-dependent people (parents) tend to derive their sense of self-worth from others (their children), making them susceptible to enabling or engaging in alienating behaviours. This perpetuates a cycle of emotional turmoil for children caught in the crossfire.
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