Emotional blackmail is a form of psychological manipulation that can be subtle but extremely harmful in interpersonal relationships. It is characterized by the use of intense emotions, threats or manipulations to get the other person to comply with certain demands or desires of the blackmailer. Often, people who resort to emotional blackmail seek to control others, get what they want, or manipulate situations in their favor.
What is blackmail emotional?
Emotional blackmail can manifest itself in different ways and in different contexts. Next, we will explore six common examples of emotional blackmail that can arise in personal, work or family relationships, in order to identify and understand this type of psychological manipulation.
1. Guilt and emotional manipulation
A common form of emotional blackmail is the use of guilt to manipulate the other person. For example, a partner might say, "If you really loved me, you would do what I ask." This tactic seeks to make the person feel guilty for not meeting the blackmailer's expectations, thus generating a feeling of obligation or responsibility.
2. Threats and coercion
Another example of emotional blackmail is the use of threats or coercion to get what you want. For example, a boss may say to an employee: "If you don't do this thing I ask of you, I will fire you." These threats seek to generate fear in the person and force them to comply with the blackmailer's demands to avoid negative consequences.
3. Isolation and manipulation of information
Emotional blackmail can also manifest itself through social isolation or the manipulation of information. For example, one friend may say to another: "If you don't do what I ask, you won't be welcome in our group of friends." This tactic seeks to control the person's social interactions and limit their access to certain information or emotional support.
4. Victimization and manipulation of perception
Emotional blackmail can include victimization and manipulation of the perception of reality. For example, one family member may say to another: "If you don't do what I ask, it means you don't care about my well-being." This strategy seeks to manipulate the way the person perceives the situation, generating unjustified feelings of guilt or responsibility.
5. Manipulation of self-esteem
Another example of emotional blackmail is the manipulation of the person's self-esteem. For example, a partner may say: "If you left me, you would be destroying my life and I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt." This tactic seeks to generate insecurities in the person and make them doubt themselves, thus making it difficult to make decisions that go against the blackmailer's wishes.
6. Intimidation and emotional control
Finally, emotional blackmail can involve intimidation and emotional control over the other person. For example, a parent may say to their child: "If you don't do what I ask, you will let me down and there will be consequences." This form of blackmail seeks to exert control over the person through the fear of defrauding the blackmailer, thus limiting their autonomy and freedom of choice.
In summary, emotional blackmail can occur in different forms and with different nuances. , but its main objective is to manipulate, control or influence the other person through emotions. Identifying these manipulation strategies is essential to establishing healthy boundaries in relationships and protecting our emotional integrity.