This video is meant to expand your general knowledge about living a healthy life and is NOT a substitute for seeking medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making changes in your health practices, diet and self-care.

In this video, clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula discusses the narcissistic family, and, more specifically, the roles that the children of such a system will typically adopt.

As she explains, there are three main positions: the scapegoat, the golden child and the invisible child.

The ‘scapegoated’ child is ‘punished’ – isolated, criticised and abused – for being the one who can ‘see through’ the narcissism and manipulation of the adult(s) in charge.

The ‘golden child’ has the opposite treatment – they’re often praised and favoured as ‘the special one’ as they often bring ‘glory’ or kudos to the family, and, by extension, to the narcissistic parent or parents.

Finally, the ‘invisible child’ fades into the background, experiencing neglect and becoming forgotten by the narcissistic parent(s).

Read more about the narcissistic family here.

View the original video here.

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