Gender-Based Violence
Vs Narcissistic Personality Abuse
and Intermittent Explosive Violence

 

 

 

by Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D.

What is the difference between gender-based violence, narcissistic personality abuse and intermittent explosive violence? We hear these terms in the psychological and domestic abuse arenas frequently. Even though clinical psychology and domestic violence victim advocacy are as far apart as the North and South Pole, there are some common elements underlying these terms.

Gender-Based Violence

“Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is directed against a person on the basis of gender. It constitutes a breach of the fundamental right to life, liberty, security, dignity, equality between women and men, non-discrimination and physical and mental integrity.” (European Institute for Gender Equality, Internet).

It is the term used to describe violence against women, and is the core focus of the Battered Women’s Movement since its inception decades ago. The term addresses the perceived socio-cultural inequality between men and women as the fundamental basis for violence against women.

Narcissistic Personality Abuse

Narcissistic personality abuse, on the other hand, is a psychological concept referring to relationship violence stemming from features of narcissism or characteristics of a narcissistic personality disorder.

Some of these characteristics look like: “Their way or the highway,” “Their preference trumps yours,” “Life centers around them,” and “You exist to serve, accommodate and admire them.” Central to all of this is…”Empathy demanded; yet not delivered.”

Their narcissism is the basis for their rationale for manipulation, coercion, failure to honor other and, of course, their use of violence to establish and maintain power and control in their intimate relationships.

Intermittent Explosive Violence

Intermittent explosive violence is another psychological term referring to the abuse characteristic of an intermittent explosive disorder. It can be verbal, emotional or physical in nature and has an explosive “out of control” quality about it.

Dysfunctional impulse control is central to the intermittent explosive behavior characteristic of this disorder. The violence of an intermittent explosive disorder is the patient’s loss of control over aggressive impulses.

Abuse Similarities and Differences

At the core of each of these terms is violence...the violation of one person toward another. The primary distinction between the terms is in the root cause. Gender Based Violence is more of a human rights issue involving the failure to honor and respect women relative to men.

The violence of a Narcissistic Personality Disorder stems primarily from the patient’s entitlement issues and lack of empathy. Whereas, Intermittent Explosive Disorder violence is more about impulse control issues.

Whether your orientation is from the Battered Women’s Movement versus the clinical psychology perspective, violence is violence is violence. With a better understanding of the etiology of violent behavior, we can all work to end domestic abuse more effectively.

For more information on therapy for domestic abuse, visit http://www.enddomesticabuse.org/domestic_violence_trt.php and claim Free Instant Access to The 7 Realities of Verbal Abuse. Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D. helps individuals and couples worldwide recognize, end and heal from domestic abuse.

© Dr Jeanne King — Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention