Indoctrination, A Manipulative Technique
Manipulation occurs when one person seeks to condition the behavior of another without them being aware of it. They do this by using different strategies. In reality, manipulators see only others as objects they can manipulate. In extreme cases, we call this indoctrination.
What exactly is this psychic manipulation technique? This article tells you how it works and how to find out if you are being manipulated.
What is indoctrination?
Indoctrination is a neologism used to refer to the brainwashing to which prisoners were subjected. Furthermore, it is used to explain the psychic mechanisms by which humans end up being “caught” in sects.
The main consequence of indoctrination is that the victim loses perspective. In fact, they feel unworthy or without the right to have their own opinion. Therefore, they tend to forget their own beliefs.
In fact, they end up embracing the ideas or goals of the person trying to dominate them. They give up their own wants and needs. They end up losing their own identity and self-esteem. Indoctrination is a technique that is widely used by manipulators.
How does it work?
Indoctrination involves an abusive relationship characterized by control, dominance and manipulation of one person over another (or a group). Over time, the “victim” ends up changing the way they think and act. This is due to dominance and influence from the manipulator.
The manipulator completely defines the world of the victim. In fact, they control and decide how to think and act and dictate the terms of their relationship. This is not a two way relationship where both parties have a say in the game. There is a one-way relationship between submission, control and dominance.
They limit the world of the victim
The manipulator gradually “brainwashes” his victim until they lose their identity completely and do what the manipulator wants them to do. In fact, the victim even loses the ability to make decisions, as the manipulator gradually limits the world.
They are held captive in an increasingly smaller environment where they are kept away from the rest of the world. They cannot receive support, help or feedback from their surroundings because they are becoming increasingly isolated from them.
Consequently, even their loved ones cannot warn them of the danger they are in. The manipulator imposes his own views and ideas on himself. Therefore, they become a significant part of the victim’s life.
Strategies for indoctrination
Indoctrination can take place in romantic relationships, friendships, families and sects. Here are some of the strategies the manipulator uses:
- Obsessive to control the victim.
- Set terms and conditions for the relationship.
- Decide how the victim will spend their time and with whom.
- Change the victim’s self-perception and way of being.
Are you exposed to indoctrination?
Do you think that you can be indoctrinated? Here are some early warning signs that may indicate that you are being exposed to this phenomenon by a manipulator:
- Feeling increasingly uncertain about your decisions.
- The feeling that you are losing your reference points.
- No longer recognize yourself.
- Feeling unable to do things for yourself.
- Gives yourself negative stamps.
- Begin to doubt your own opinions and abilities.
To fall victim to indoctrination, you must experience the early danger signals above due to manipulation, dominance, or control of another. In other words, these feelings must be due solely to your interactions with the other person, not just because you happen to feel that way.
If you experience any of these signs and think that someone may be manipulating you, ask for help and stay as far away from the person as possible. It is not easy to escape the claws of a manipulator. However, being aware of what is happening is the first step in the right direction.
