Starlit ✦ Theatre · 6d

Madeline, I'm curious (was scrollin your answers) — what is the difference between patterned and pathological abuse that you mentioned? If that's ok to ask

It’s okay to ask, but it’ll be a bit difficult for me to put my thoughts into words until I actually start researching it.

For now, the simple version is :

Patterned 〜 Due to being [unknowingly/knowingly] abused, a victim may go on to internalize their abuser’s behavior and repeat it habitually. Or, they may develop abusive behavior [Guilt tripping, suicide baiting] as a result of compromised emotional wellbeing after being abused. The main aspect is that they do not hurt others out of conscious thought — simply because it may all they know.

Pathological 〜 There is an intent to hurt others through their actions, typically for the sake of pleasure or to keep themselves in power. This may also be learned, but it’s typically much harder for a pathological abuser to want to change, even if their behavior becomes self-harming as they become lonely and feign relationships solely for the sake of their ego, rather than a desire for human connection.

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