CCC 27-4_LR 1

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The Impact of Narcissism and Emotional Abuse on Families

David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D.

22 Christian Counseling Connection i In recent years, there has been increasing attention on nar cissism, and with good reason. Narcissistic and emotional abuse cause profound and lasting damage to those who endure it. While the focus often centers on the immediate victims—primarily women, though some men are affected as well—less attention is given to the broader ripple effects on families. Emotional abuse does not stop at the partner; it spreads across the entire family system, impacting children,

relationships, and long-term emotional health. It is time we take a closer look at the far-reaching consequences of narcissism within the family context. The Immediate Impact Before examining the broader family dynamics, it is import ant to acknowledge that the abuse typically begins with the partner or spouse of the narcissist. This individual—often a