Not only delusional but deeply manipulative and predatory. When someone exploits a vulnerable teenager, stripping them of their autonomy and possessions, and then tries to convince the world—or even the victim—that they’ve acted benevolently, it reveals a profound disconnection from reality and basic empathy.

Delusion in this context often stems from a few dangerous psychological mechanisms:

1. Cognitive Dissonance: The person may be unable to reconcile their harmful actions with their own self-image. Rather than admit to themselves that they’re doing something destructive, they create a narrative where they’re “helping” or “being good.” This helps them avoid guilt or shame, as they twist the facts to match their preferred self-perception.
2. Narcissism or Psychopathy: In some cases, these individuals may be incapable of true empathy. Narcissists often exploit others for their own benefit, and psychopaths may not feel remorse for their actions at all. To them, manipulating a vulnerable person is a means to an end, and they genuinely believe that their actions are justified or even positive because they don’t view others as full, autonomous individuals with needs.
3. Power Dynamics: Taking advantage of someone who is young and vulnerable is an assertion of power. The abuser may convince themselves that they are being “good” because, in their mind, the teenager “needed” them or “benefited” from their intervention. This sense of superiority blinds them to the harm they’re causing.
4. Gaslighting: A form of emotional manipulation, where the abuser tries to distort reality and convince the victim (and others) that what they experienced wasn’t harmful. The person may repeatedly say, “I’ve been good to you,” hoping that by saying it enough, it will become true in the eyes of the victim and any bystanders.

What’s particularly insidious about this kind of behavior is how it traps the victim in confusion. If someone repeatedly tells you that they’ve been “good,” but everything in your gut tells you otherwise, it can lead to self-doubt, especially if you’re already vulnerable.

Being deluded in this way also serves the abuser. They avoid responsibility for their actions because, in their version of the world, they’re the hero. It’s a dangerous and toxic cycle that often needs outside intervention to break.

For the victim, especially a teenager, this type of manipulation can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects, sometimes leading to further issues like substance abuse, depression, or low self-worth. What’s crucial is breaking the cycle, offering support, and holding the abuser accountable for their actions, even when they are convinced—or try to convince others—that they did nothing wrong.

Being believed and having the truth acknowledged is often the first step toward healing.

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