A kind of bullying. An attempt by an individual to influence the judgment of another by causing him to doubt the correctness of his own judgment. The goal is to make the person feel confused, uncomfortable, or unable to trust his or her own thoughts and feelings.
Examples:
- A reproach for which the individual has no arguments or evidence.
- Direct questioning of what the victim has heard e.g. in a meeting.
- Alleged complaints about a particular person (e.g. ‘everyone complains about your work’).
- Questioning of memory and statements.
- Ignoring performance.
- Indirect criticism without justification.
- Questioning mental health.