Negation of Autonomy

Suppression of an individual's ability to make independent decisions, often under the guise of obedience to divine authority

• You must get church approval before dating, marrying, or changing jobs.

• You’re discouraged from trusting your own feelings or reasoning.

• You’re taught that self-will is sinful and must be “surrendered.”

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Identity and decision-making skills may be underdeveloped.

• Learned helplessness and passivity can develop.

• Anxiety or guilt may arise when asserting personal needs.