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Sky
Lv 7
Sky asked in Social SciencePsychology · 6 years ago

Psychologists: term for being forced to love someone you fear?

This question is for psychologists/psychiatrists, and sociologists can also chime in. (Please mention your qualifications as well since I'm looking for answers from professionals.)

Is there a term in psychology that refers to when a person, under threat of the most terrible punishment, is forced to love someone they terribly fear, somebody who claims to love them too but could turn on them in the most horrible ways in response to the slightest disobedience or even just a whim? Also, is there a difference when the one they fear is a personal relation (ie. mate, spouse, family member) or a public authority figure (ie. the people of North Korea being forced to love Kim Jong with prison or execution being the penalty if they don't)?

And whether or not there is a specific term for a relationship like this, what are your professional thoughts and opinions about such a relationship?

(I'm asking again because the first try got no responses. I'm having an ongoing debate with someone and this information would be helpful.)

4 Answers

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  • PC
    5 years ago

    Not a psychologist, but I do not think there is a technical term for what you are describing. I don't even think you can be forced to love someone that your fear. In short I do not think such a love would be genuine at all, clearly false in the North Korea case. I am familiar with Robert Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions. According to that chart love is a secondary emotion resulting from a combo of the primary emotions joy and trust. Fear is another primary emotion beside trust. So you're conflating a primary and secondary emotion. Maybe what your are describing (at least according to the chart) is submission, a secondary emotion comprised of trust and fear?

    And I have to thank you, Sky, for all the insightful answers about naturism over the years!

    I would say that I'm a furry and a naturist too.

    Source(s): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrasting_and_ca...
  • Thomas
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    It is called Cult Worship,meaning how people are brainwashed into following a cult leader. More about it here:

    http://procinwarn.com/cultfollower.htm

  • Sky
    Lv 7
    5 years ago

    More than two months on and there is no good answer given.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_manipu...

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