Sexual coercion is a form of nonconsensual sex that involves using physical force, threats, or emotional manipulation to persuade someone into having intercourse. It can take many forms, such as rape, forced kissing, unwanted touching, or making someone do things they don't want. Neglect refers to a lack of attention, care, or affection in a relationship, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, rejection, and confusion. Manipulation involves using psychological tactics, like guilt tripping or gaslighting, to control another person's behavior or decisions. All three types of mistreatment can cause psychological distress, but their effects vary depending on the situation.
In cases of sexual coercion, victims may experience trauma, shame, anxiety, depression, fear, low self-esteem, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can affect everyday life, leading to difficulty trusting others, avoidance of intimacy, or substance abuse problems. Victims may also feel guilty or blame themselves for what happened, causing further harm. Long-term relationships are especially affected because of betrayal, mistrust, and loss of confidence in the partner. For men and women who were assaulted by partners they thought they could trust, it may be hard to believe that other people will not hurt them too.
Neglect can result in similar symptoms to those experienced after sexual coercion, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Victims may also feel abandoned, unloved, or worthless. They may start doubting their own desirability, competence, or value as a partner, which can undermine their self-confidence and autonomy. Neglect is often more subtle than coercion, making it harder to recognize and address. Partners who neglect their significant others tend to have lower satisfaction with their relationship overall. In some cases, these issues escalate to infidelity or separation due to feelings of inadequacy or resentment.
Manipulation involves using psychological tactics like guilt tripping, gaslighting, or emotional blackmail to control another person's behavior or decisions. Victims may experience confusion, anger, frustration, and fear, but they may also internalize the manipulator's beliefs and actions. They might think they need to change themselves or cater to their partner's needs to keep the peace. This can lead to codependency, low self-esteem, and even physical abuse if the victim is trying to please an abusive partner. Manipulators may try to isolate their partner from friends or family, further compounding feelings of loneliness and despair.
All three forms of mistreatment can harm relationships and cause lasting damage to mental health. It's important for partners to communicate openly about boundaries, consent, and expectations to avoid these problems. Seeking professional help can be essential for healing from trauma and learning how to trust again after being hurt by someone you loved. With support, both individuals and couples can rebuild trust and intimacy in a healthy way that respects everyone involved.
What are the psychological consequences of sexual coercion, neglect, or manipulation in partnerships?
The psychological consequences of sexual coercion, neglect, or manipulation can be significant for individuals involved in romantic or intimate relationships. Research has shown that individuals who experience such behaviors may suffer from a range of negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, guilt, shame, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).