Feb 13 • 13:21 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Why do women choose to suffer? The psychological mechanism of the victim role

The article discusses how upbringing and cultural context can lead women to unconsciously adopt the victim role as a coping mechanism in relationships.

The article, penned by Ruta Laurišonytė, a medical psychologist at the Neuromeda center, delves into the psychological roots of why some women might unconsciously embrace a victim role in their lives. According to Laurišonytė, this is not necessarily a choice, but rather a behavioral and self-perception model that develops through life experiences, sometimes becoming a necessary survival strategy. This idea challenges the notion that victims of circumstances are simply passive; rather, their roles are shaped by deeper psychological frameworks.

A significant factor highlighted is the influence of parental upbringing. If a girl grows up in an environment where her needs are often overlooked, and emotional expressions are dismissed, she may learn that compliance, silence, and being 'good' are valued more than independence and self-assertiveness. In such cases, embracing the victim role may become a familiar and 'safe' way to navigate relationships with others, allowing her to avoid potential conflicts.

Moreover, cultural context plays a crucial role in this dynamic. The article points out that society often teaches women from a young age to prioritize caring for others, maintaining harmonious relationships, and avoiding conflicts, even at the cost of their own well-being. This social conditioning further entrenches the victim role, as women may feel they must sacrifice personal boundaries and agency to conform to these expectations, leading to long-term psychological implications.

📡 Similar Coverage