As a clinical psychologist, I see couples processing their differences in and around the new Trump era. Traditionally, my practice attracts couples entangled in domestic abuse issues. Watching these dynamics play out in the context of liberal and conservative thinking is extremely diagnostic with respect to the underlying control dynamics in these relationships.
In some of these families, one partner will shame the other for holding the perspectives they embrace. In others, one partner will bash their spouse with name calling and character assaults over their political and social biases. Then, there are those that engage in outright verbal sparring over their political and geopolitical differences.
I have watched families deteriorate over these differences in ways never imaginable before one or the other embraced what appears to be a Trump Derangement Syndrome. From the core of these people’s being, they simply hate the man (Trump) and everything he stands for.
Etiology of a Derangement Syndrome
The internalization of the legacy media’s propaganda is so significant, it has become their reality. And nothing will pierce it. I liken it to how I used to see people who hate one form of religion or tradition from the core of their being and have no first-hand experience of why they hold the opinions they have held.
It is also the same pattern I see with adult children of parental alienation. These people hold beliefs about the estranged parent based on the alienating parent’s opinions and agenda. At least, for victims of parental alienation, there are real life consequences for maintaining their perspectives no matter how delusional they may be.
While this may have been the case for many individuals holding certain political perspectives in years past, the tide is changing worldwide. But the syndrome remains.
Inquiry Can Be a Cure
Now coming back to the question: Is there a cure? In some way, this is like asking: is there a cure for any ingrained bias one might hold. And the answer depends on one’s experience. If holding a belief about someone or something serves your highest good, well so be it. If, on the other hand, one’s attachment to a particular belief engenders discomfort of any kind, then examining that belief warrants consideration.
Let me know in the comments below if you, too, see this conflict in your friends and or family…
For more information on healing intimate partner abuse dynamics, visit https://innersanctuaryonline.org/spousal-abuse-help Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D. helps people worldwide recognize, end and heal from domestic abuse.
© Dr Jeanne King Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention