Manipulation can be positive when used for the greater good of the whole or to help others. However, manipulation has a negative connotation as it is usually used to favor the needs of the manipulator. In this episode of The Social Work Journal, Deltom theorizes and categorizes tactics commonly used to manipulate others in positive and negative ways. Pop cultural references from reality shows and recent media are used to provide further context as to how manipulation is used and the impact it has on others. Deltom discusses rhetoric in media about “the perfect victim” while referencing “ideal victim theory” and summarizes the discussion by sharing her own experiences as well as how to combat manipulation.

1:00-Defining manipulation/positive manipulation tactics (physical, mental, emotional)

5:30-Negative manipulation tactics (guilt tactics)

8:00- Example from reality show “Selling Sunset” of a comparison manipulation tactic

9:00- Marginalization/comparison tactics

11:30-14:30 Depp vs. Heard and “word salad” and guilt tactics

15:00-Politicizing domestic violence as a gender issue with word salad manipulation tactics

17:15- The “perfect victim” (ideal victim theory)

18:04- Mirroring manipulation tactics and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

20:14 The vulnerable manipulation tactic (manipulators establishing an intimate connection with others with the intent to manipulate)

22:30-How to combat a manipulator

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