Mind games

The term mind games refers to passive aggressive behavior used specifically to demoralize or empower the thinking subject, often making the aggressor look superior.

The psychological field of transactional analysis, and in particular the Karpman drama triangle, describe and examine mind games from a social and psychological perspective. Broadly, the term can be used for any strategy or tactic where covert mental manipulation or creation of coercive pressure of another person is a goal.