Emotional blackmail is a dysfunctional type of manipulation in which people make demands and threaten victims in order to obtain what they want. The underlying message of emotional blackmail is that you will suffer if you do not do what I want when I want it. Emotional ابتزاز is a relatively new idea that is gaining traction. The #MeToo movement is raising awareness and educating people about the mechanics of emotional abuse and its devastating consequences. In this post, we will look at the meaning of سايبر blackmail, examples of this type of manipulation, the consequences of emotional abuse, and how to deal with it.
The Meaning of Emotional Blackmail
Emotional blackmail is the process by which an individual makes demands and threatens another person in order to manipulate them into giving them what they want. It is a kind of psychological abuse that harms the victims. Their demands are designed to exert control over a victim’s conduct in harmful ways. Emotional blackmail is a method of manipulating your relationship. However, it might be difficult to determine and clearly identify whether the victim is being manipulated in certain instances. Susan Forward and Donna Frazier, two leaders in the area, describe the power dynamic that happens in such manipulation. They contend that emotional blackmailers use a fear – emotion – guilt strategy to obtain what they desire. Forward coined the term “FOG,” which suggests that the dynamics of emotional blackmail between the manipulator and the victim are fear, obligation, and guilt. FOG also properly characterises the uncertainty, lack of clarity, and lack of thought that may arise in these interpersonal relationships. Emotional blackmail can lead to feelings of dread, duty, guilt, and worry. Emotional blackmail, according to Forward, happens in intimate relationships. The manipulator uses information gleaned about the victim’s concerns. Blackmailers will influence the victim based on the information they acquire about their concerns. One of the most unpleasant aspects of emotional blackmail, according to Forward, is the use of personal knowledge about the victim’s weaknesses against them. Another tactic used by blackmailers is to test the victim’s sense of commitment. They frequently generate unjustified shame and blame in order to put their issues on the victim. When caught in a dysfunctional cycle of emotional blackmail, the victim may feel compelled to apologise, beg, modify plans to fit the demands of others, weep, use reasoning, give in, or confront. Typically, they will find it difficult to stand up for oneself, confront the matter directly, set limits, and signal to the blackmailer that the conduct is unacceptable. Forward and Frazier distinguish four forms of blackmailing, each with its own set of manipulative techniques. Punishers are motivated by a desire to get their way, regardless of the sentiments or needs of others. “My way or the highway,” they say. Punishers will insist on exerting control and obtaining what they want by threatening to cause damage or hurt.
Self-punishers – Individuals may threaten self-harm if their spouse does not comply with their wishes.
Sufferers – This is a victim’s voice blaming the spouse if they do not do what is expected. If they do not cooperate, it is implied that their pain will be the responsibility of others. “After everything I’ve done for you, you’re going to leave me to suffer…?
Tantalizers – This is the most subtle and perplexing type of manipulation. There is a promise of greater things to come if they obey. It arouses optimism while yet linking a threat to a demand. It is critical to grasp the evolution of emotional blackmail, which is common in all abuse cycles. It generally begins with subtle or implicit remarks and behaviors. The development might be subtle, and one may not recognize the extent of the damage until it is too late.