UNDERSTANDING “VICTIMHOOD” MENTALITY

I bet you have in one way or another have interacted with folks who always see themselves as victims, no matter the circumstances. Individuals often are encapsulated by delusional ideas that they are victims when it is not entirely true. They are never at fault for anything and if at all they admit being at fault, they will squarely attribute it to the accuser’s influence. The “victims” constantly hold onto the belief that the world is against them. The individuals are often oblivious to what is happening; they are not aware that they are making up these situations.

The individuals may have an affinity to be seen and adored thus assume the victim role. One other trait displayed by these individuals is that of being hostile and lack of empathy towards others. They can go to the extent of even manipulating others! Gabay and fellow researchers in a 2020 paper summed up the dimensions of victimhood as moral elitism, lack of empathy, need for recognition and rumination (constantly focusing on a distressing situation).

The personality trait of victimhood is seemingly taking over the world including the world of politics (a topic for another day). The dire consequences is that the individual never experience growth. It is an open fact that we grow from acknowledging mistakes as we often take steps to correct such but those with victimhood mentality do not have such abilities. Other impactful effects include demoralising colleagues in the workplace, unnecessary delays in executing work duties leading to decline in productivity and dented trust and relationships with others.

Can these individuals be seen to have mental health conditions? Narcissistic personality disorder, depression and anxiety may be underlying conditions that facilitates this personality trait. There is also a likelihood that they could be suffering from what is termed “pseudologia fantastica.” Pseudologia fantastica is a mental disorder characterised by engagement in habitual and compulsive lying in order to avoid consequences that may occur.

Treatment of underlying conditions may be beneficial as well as therapy. Counselling may be of help to such individuals though it is often a difficult undertaking because they are never wrong. They may be defensive and passive-aggressive towards advances to help them.