Habits Quote by Lundy Bancroft
““An abuser's behavior is primarily conscious – he acts deliberately rather than by accident or by losing control of himself – but the underlying thinking that drives his behavior is largely not conscious.””
About This Quote
Source Book: "Why Does He Do That?" by Lundy Bancroft, 2002
Abusers act with intent, yet the deeper motives are often unconscious, blending deliberate control with hidden drivers.
In simple terms: Abusers act knowingly, but their motives are hidden.
Recognize the gap between conscious actions and unconscious motives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- counseling sessions
- relationship education
- self‑reflection exercises
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can victims differentiate between deliberate harm and unconscious patterns?
- What strategies help uncover hidden motives?
Abusers may also act impulsively, not always deliberately.