Understanding Intermittent Reinforcement in Narcissistic Relationships

Reinforcement is a concept in psychology derived from the work of behaviourist B.F. Skinner. It’s a method used to increase or decrease the likelihood of a behaviour recurring. There are two main types of reinforcement, positive and negative. Narcissistic people can be experts at using both types of reinforcement, but they employ a more sinister version called intermittent reinforcement. This can be particularly powerful because it creates a cycle of hope and despair, creating trauma bonds and making it difficult for victims to break free.

This video outlines how intermittent reinforcement works and why it can be difficult to spot at first. It also looks at the affects it can have on people and lastly, how to break free from it.

Research:
Skinner, B. F. (1938). The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis. New York: Appleton-Century.

Dutton, D. G., & Painter, S. L. (1993). The battered woman syndrome: Effects of severity and intermittency of abuse. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 63(4), 614-622.

Carnes, P. J. (1997). The Betrayal Bond: Breaking Free of Exploitive Relationships. Health Communications, Inc.

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  / dfmagee  
https://darrenfmagee.substack.com/

If you find this video interesting please consider supporting me on Patreon or Substack
  / dfmagee  
https://darrenfmagee.substack.com/

#narcissism #narcissisticmanipulation #recoveryispossible