Narcissists and Their Flying Monkeys

The article "Narcissists and Their Flying Monkeys" published on www.psychcentral.com and authored by Christine Hammond, MS, LMHC, explains the concept of "flying monkeys," a term derived from The Wizard of Oz, where the Wicked Witch’s minions carry out her commands. Similarly, narcissists often employ individuals to perform their manipulative and abusive bidding, allowing them to avoid direct involvement and claim innocence.

These "flying monkeys" exhibit unwavering loyalty to the narcissist, even engaging in harmful behaviors like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, or violence. Sociopaths and psychopaths also use flying monkeys, with the distinction that sociopaths tend to act for short-term gains, while psychopaths may hide their true nature longer.

The article identifies five common types of "flying monkeys" who submit to narcissists:

1. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Narcissists may align with others like themselves for personal gain but quickly abandon them when the benefits stop.

2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: People with anxiety may be attracted to the narcissist's false confidence but eventually break free as their anxiety lessens.

3. Co-dependents: Co-dependents and narcissists have a dysfunctional, symbiotic relationship, but when the co-dependent heals, the narcissist exits.

4. Addicts: Narcissists can enable addicts, who stay loyal in exchange for support. The relationship typically ends when the addict becomes clean or overly needy.

5. Dependent Personality Disorder: Those with this disorder are fully reliant on the narcissist, feeding the narcissist’s superiority complex. Even after separation or death, they may continue glorifying the narcissist.

The bond between narcissists and their "flying monkeys" is often toxic, with the latter group serving the narcissist's self-serving needs.