Emotional Numbness and Scam Victims – Coping After the Scam – 2024
Emotional Numbness and Scam Victims – Coping After the Scam
Helping Scam Victims Understand the Dual-Nature of Numbness as Both a Psychological Coping Mechanism and a Defense Mechanism
Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Psychological or emotional numbness is a state where individuals become detached from their emotions as a response to overwhelming trauma, serving as both a defense and coping mechanism.
For scam victims, this numbness can provide immediate relief by shielding them from the intense emotional pain and distress associated with the betrayal and manipulation they’ve experienced. However, while numbness can help victims manage their immediate emotions, it can also hinder long-term recovery by preventing them from processing their trauma fully.
