When narcissists are confronted with their bad behaviors or criticized, they may resort to calling others "psycho" or using similar derogatory terms as a defense mechanism. There are several reasons why they might react this way:
Projection: Narcissists are known for projecting their own negative traits and behaviors onto others. By calling you "psycho" or attributing negative labels to you, they are attempting to deflect attention away from their own faults and place the blame on you instead. It's a way for them to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and to maintain a false sense of superiority.
Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic commonly used by narcissists to make the other person doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. By labeling you as "psycho," they are trying to undermine your credibility and make you question whether your observations and concerns about their behavior are valid.
Invalidation: Narcissists have difficulty acknowledging the emotions and feelings of others. By dismissing your concerns with a derogatory label, they are essentially invalidating your emotions and making you feel like your thoughts and feelings don't matter.
Deflection: When confronted with criticism, narcissists often feel a significant blow to their fragile ego. To protect their self-image, they may quickly shift the focus away from themselves by attacking you with labels like "psycho." This deflection tactic is meant to divert attention from their own flaws and redirect the conversation towards your perceived shortcomings.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists struggle to empathize with others and understand their feelings. As a result, they may not be able to grasp the impact of their hurtful actions. Calling you "psycho" is a way for them to rationalize their behavior and distance themselves from any empathy or remorse they should feel.
Manipulation and Control: Labeling you as "psycho" is a form of manipulation and control. It is an attempt to exert power over you by making you doubt yourself and your perceptions, making it easier for them to maintain their influence and dominance in the relationship.
It's important to remember that engaging with a narcissist in an attempt to get them to see their bad behaviors or admit fault is often futile. Narcissists typically lack the self-awareness and willingness to change, and their defensive reactions may escalate further if they feel challenged. If you find yourself dealing with a narcissistic individual, setting boundaries and seeking support from trusted friends, family, or professionals can be helpful in managing the situation and protecting your well-being.