Emotional coercion can be understood as psychological manipulation to achieve compliance without physical force or verbal threats. It can take many forms, including guilt tripping, gaslighting, manipulating, lying, making false promises, creating fear or anxiety, blaming others for mistakes, denying responsibility, shaming, controlling access to friends, money, resources, communication channels, time, and space, etc. It is often used in relationships where overt violence is absent but control remains pervasive.
It can also occur in combination with overt violence, which makes it more difficult to identify and address effectively.
In relationships characterized by emotional coercion, one partner tries to gain power and control over the other through emotional means, usually based on their vulnerability and dependency. This may involve subtle ways of controlling the victim's behavior or actions, such as criticizing them or threatening to leave if they do not comply with demands. The perpetrator of this type of abuse may also engage in self-victimization, claiming that they are being mistreated even when they are the ones causing harm. As a result, victims become confused about what constitutes acceptable behavior, leading to a sense of obligation and an inability to stand up for themselves.
Emotional coercion may manifest itself in various contexts, such as parental relationships, romantic partnerships, professional interactions, religious communities, political affiliations, and social media platforms.
Parents might use emotional blackmail to manipulate their children into doing things they do not want to do, while romantic partners may try to isolate their partners from friends and family members who do not support their relationship. Similarly, employers may use emotional manipulation to make employees work longer hours or agree to unfair conditions without receiving proper compensation. Religious leaders may exploit their followers' beliefs and trust to exert influence over their lives, while politicians can pressure supporters into voting for specific candidates or policies. Social media influencers may exploit their fans' loyalty and admiration to promote products or ideas they would otherwise reject.
While physical violence is often considered more severe than psychological abuse, it is important to recognize that both forms of coercion can be equally damaging and have long-term consequences. Victims of emotional coercion may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can impact their mental health, relationships, careers, finances, and overall wellbeing. In addition, victims may feel trapped in the relationship, unable to leave due to fear of retaliation, guilt, shame, or societal stigma. This can lead to further victimization and even death.
To address emotional coercion effectively, it is crucial to identify its signs and symptoms early on. Victims should seek help from professional counselors or therapists trained in recognizing and treating this type of abuse. They should also create a safety plan with loved ones and consider leaving the relationship if necessary. Perpetrators must take responsibility for their actions and seek treatment to change their behavior. Societal changes are needed to prevent emotional manipulation and promote healthy communication and respectful interactions.
How does emotional coercion function in relationships where overt violence is absent but control remains pervasive?
Emotional coercion can be understood as the use of subtle, nonphysical means to manipulate another person's behavior and actions. In relationships where overt violence is absent, this form of manipulation becomes particularly powerful because it may go unnoticed by outsiders and victims may not realize they are being controlled. Emotional coercion can take many forms, such as gaslighting, love bombing, microaggressions, guilt tripping, and others.