We have only looked at the results of this study, and if you have time, the full study is posted online and is worth checking out if you have ever been (or are currently experiencing) emotional abuse. But at the end of the day, these findings make one thing abundantly clear: emotional manipulation is rampant, and it’s important to be able to spot it.

The good news is that while extinguishing relationship survivors reported decreased well-being and increased vigilance after the relationship ended, some participants experienced posttraumatic growth in which they focused on establishing healthier relationship boundaries and /or on clearer and stronger relationships. sense of self

The most frequently reported activity in recovery from a broken relationship was communication, namely: reconnecting with others and doing something that helped survivors regain self-awareness, such as a creative hobby like art or writing.

Focusing on yourself after such a relationship is paramount, as is reconnecting with people who truly love and support you. Here’s our complete guide to gaslighting recovery and how to end an abusive relationship to help you get started.