What is triangulation in a relationship?

Triangulation happens when one or both of the people involved in the conflict try to pull a third person into the dynamic, often with the goal of: deflecting some of the tension. creating another conflict to take the spotlight off the original issue. reinforcing their sense of rightness or superiority.


What is an example of triangulation?

For example, a relationship between two siblings can be triangulated by a parent when the siblings disagree, and a relationship between a couple can be triangulated when one partner relies on a child or parent for support and communication with the other partner.

What is triangulation narcissism?

What is Narcissist's Triangulation. Triangulation is considered a form of emotional abuse that can occur in any relationship. Your covert narcissistic partner may pull in a third person into your toxic relationship to create conflicts between the two of you so they can manipulate and take advantage of you.


How do you know if you are being triangulated?

If your current or former romantic partner or friend uses another to create hostility, drama, or to coerce you into things and feelings you wouldnt otherwise do or feel, then this is triangulation.

What are the 4 types of triangulation?

Among experts in triangulation in the social sciences, there contin- ues to be a general consensus on the usefulness of the four types of triangulation originally identified by Denzin in the 1970s: (1) data triangulation; (2) investigator triangulation; (3) theory triangulation; and (4) methodological or method ...


What is Triangulation in Relationships and Why Is It Toxic?



Is triangulation a form of manipulation?

Triangulation is a form of manipulation and is used to exploit an interaction between two people who are not communicating directly. It is problematic due to a third person becoming intertwined in a situation that should be between the two individuals participating in the conflict.

Who is most associated with triangulation?

Triangulation is a term in psychology most closely associated with the work of Murray Bowen known as family therapy. Bowen theorized that a two-person emotional system is unstable, in that under stress it forms itself into a three-person system or triangle.

Why do people triangulate in relationships?

The goal of triangulation is to divide people within the argument and to tip the scales of the argument. Often this is done with indirect communication, with the third person being the go-between of the two people who are initially disagreeing. People often use triangulation to: Distract from the real issue or argument.


What is triangulation in gaslighting?

Triangulation happens when one or both of the people involved in the conflict try to pull a third person into the dynamic, often with the goal of: deflecting some of the tension. creating another conflict to take the spotlight off the original issue. reinforcing their sense of rightness or superiority.

What are some common phrases narcissists use when triangulation?

7 Gaslighting Phrases Malignant Narcissists, Sociopaths and Psychopaths Use To Silence You, Translated
  • You're crazy/you have mental health issues/you need help. ...
  • You're just insecure and jealous. ...
  • You're too sensitive/you're overreacting. ...
  • It was just a joke. ...
  • You need to let it go. ...
  • You're the problem here, not me.


What are three forms of triangulation?

Types of triangulation in research
  • Data triangulation: Using data from different times, spaces, and people.
  • Investigator triangulation: Involving multiple researchers in collecting or analyzing data.
  • Theory triangulation: Using varying theoretical perspectives in your research.


How do you deal with being triangulated?

Coping With Triangulation
  1. Don't respond quickly to surprising news.
  2. Take a step back and consider the facts.
  3. Try your best not to lose your temper or lose control of your feelings. ...
  4. Don't make promises, commitments, or contracts that'll only hurt your relationship with people whom you trust and love.


Why do guys triangulate?

Triangulation often happens when someone has a personality disorder. However, that is not the whole story. They also choose triangulation because they want to gain attention or maintain control of others. A person who triangulates may have a narcissistic personality disorder.

Why do covert narcissists triangulate?

Covert narcissists use triangulation to control and manipulate other people so they can have power and control over their surrounding environment. For a covert narcissist, this is important because being in a position of power and control gives covert narcissists access to an unlimited amount of narcissistic supply.


How do you avoid triangulation in a relationship?

Create an equal partnership: Engage with your partner as an equal rather than a superior or inferior. Practice healthy, compassionate, and direct communication: Resist the urge to vent to a third person in the case of relationship conflict. Speak to your partner directly or seek professional help/ couples therapy.

Is triangulation a gossip?

Unintentional triangulation can show up as gossip, venting, or complaining. The complainer might not be trying to harm the other person, but may lack insight, skills, or awareness. And then there's intentional triangulation, which is definitely passive-aggressive but more aggressive on the spectrum.

How do you respond to a narcissist triangulation?

Step Away

As with most things involving narcissists, the best thing you can do is cut off contact with them. Triangulation only works when there are three parties; if you step away, the triangle fails.


What is a triangulated conversation?

Triangulation is a manipulation tactic where one person will not communicate directly with another person, instead using a third person to relay communication to the second, thus forming a triangle.

How do you make a narcissist miserable?

How to Make a Narcissist Miserable: 12 Things They Can't Stand
  1. Ignore them.
  2. Act indifferent toward them.
  3. Tell them how happy you are.
  4. Speak in facts, not emotions.
  5. Set boundaries and stick to them.
  6. Tell them no.
  7. Give them an ultimatum for commitment.
  8. Push them to answer to authority.


How does a narcissist react when they can't control you?

Narcissists also gaslight or practice master manipulation, weakening and destabilizing their victims; finally, they utilize positive and negative emotions or moments to trick others. When a narcissist can't control you, they'll likely feel threatened, react with anger, and they might even start threatening you.


Why am I always triangulated?

Triangulation is used by a wide variety of different people who have one thing in common: insecurity. This can lead to them feeling willing to manipulate others in ways that may be harmful, in order to get what they want or to feel a greater sense of security in a relationship.

What is baiting in narcissism?

Even after a narcissist discards you, the chaos isn't always over. Oftentimes, they'll continue taunting their victims with "baiting." As the name implies, this manipulation strategy involves deliberately provoking or triggering victims in an attempt to elicit an emotional response.

What is triangulation in mental health?

One tactic we come across in the world of therapy is triangulation – a form of manipulation where a person will not communicate directly with another person, instead they use a third person to relay the information to the second person – thus forming a triangle.