Coercive Control / Coercion

Manipulative behavior used to dominate and restrict autonomy

• You're shamed by leaders or peers when your behavior doesn’t match group expectations.

• You’re threatened with losing your salvation or spiritual worth if you question authority.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Asserting autonomy may trigger fear of punishment or loss.

• Identifying manipulative behaviors may be difficult.

• Suppressed anger or resentment can surface later in life.