INTHEBLACK February 2023 - Magazine - Page 39
AT A GLANCE
Love bombing is
a toxic behaviour
sometimes seen in
romantic relationships.
More recently, it
has been recognised
as occurring in
workplace relationships.
Typically, a colleague initially
lavishes attention on a new
employee to manipulate them,
then abruptly pulls away.
Love bombing is a form of
emotional abuse and coercive
control that erodes confidence,
self-esteem and trust. Experts
share their tips on how to defuse
love bombing in the workplace.
Story Jessica Mudditt
The term “love bombing” has gained prominence in recent years
to describe a toxic pattern of behaviour in romantic relationships. It
involves one partner lavishing excessive attention and affection on
another before abruptly pulling away. The term was originally coined
in the 1970s to describe strategies practiced by religious cults to entice
new recruits to join them.
There is now increasing recognition that love bombing occurs in the
workplace, and that it has serious repercussions for mental health and
broader organisational productivity.
Love bombing is often a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder.
It can manifest as “ghosting” – disappearing without explanation –
and as gaslighting, where a person’s perception of reality is manipulated
and destroyed.
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