The 13 Power Moves of Dark Psychology: Learn the Tricks to Protect Yourself from Abuse and Covertly Influence Anyone

Sisco (Honest Answers) mines her experience as a military interrogator for this intermittently insightful guide to combating psychological manipulation. Exploring techniques used to “exploit, control, and harm others,” she unpacks how and why gaslighting, negging, and reverse psychology work, often by skewing victims’ senses of reality or power. To protect themselves, readers can utilize 13 “power moves” that include trusting one’s gut, holding manipulators accountable with clear and specific questions, identifying what manipulators are using as bait, and gaining control of the situation by reflecting on one’s values and achieving manageable goals that build confidence. Sisco notes that dark psychology often stems from personality disorders like narcissism, but she stumbles in exploring how they might play out in relationships, relying on stereotypes like the “easily triggered partner” or the “overly emotional friend” that are too broad to be valuable. Still, the plentiful anecdotes that Sisco shares from her career make for a revealing and up-close analysis of the ways in which people exert control over one another. This has its moments. (July)