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MENTAL MODEL · M0623

Hoovering

Hoovering
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Derived from the vacuum cleaner brand. It refers to a manipulative tactic used by abusers to 'suck' victims back into toxic relationships after they attempt to leave or end the relationship, through sweet talk, false remorse, or manufactured crises, much like a vacuum cleaner.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Identifying emotional manipulation. When ending a toxic relationship, one must be wary of this 'hoovering' tactic, understanding that the sudden change for the better is merely an escalation of control tactics, not genuine change.

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The hoovering maneuver uses a flood of information to suck away public attention and obscure key issues.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_cleanerZH · Explicit
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