Guilt trip

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A guilt trip is the experience of guilt due to another person's communication that leads to the emotional response. Guilt tripping, causing a guilt trip, is a form of emotional blackmail [1] that is often intended to manipulate a person by preying on their feelings of guilt or responsibility. It is considered by many to be a toxic behavior that effects a person's well-being and relationships.

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There are limited studies examining the guilt trip; mostly focused on parent–child relationships. [2] George K. Simon interprets the guilt trip as a special kind of intimidation tactic. A manipulator suggests to the conscientious victim that they do not care enough, are too selfish or has it easy. This usually results in the victim feeling bad, keeping them in a self-doubting, anxious and submissive position. [3] Some consider guilt tripping a person to be a form of punishment for a perceived transgression. [4]

See also

References

  1. "The Psychology of the Guilt-Tripper | Psychology Today United Kingdom". www.psychologytoday.com. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  2. Mandara, Jelani; Pikes, Crysta L. (2008). "Guilt Trips and Love Withdrawal: Does Mothers' Use of Psychological Control Predict Depressive Symptoms Among African American Adolescents?". Family Relations. 57 (5): 602–612. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2008.00526.x. ISSN   1741-3729.
  3. K., Simon, George (1996). In sheep's clothing: Understanding and dealing with manipulative people. Parkhurst Brothers. ISBN   9781935166306. OCLC   646166340.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. Braiker, Harriet B. (2004). Who's Pulling Your Strings? How to Break The Cycle of Manipulation. ISBN   978-0-07-144672-3.

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