‘Mental Defeat’ – The Unique Condition Of Giving Up – 2024
‘Mental Defeat’ – The Unique Condition Of Giving Up
A Complete Breakdown of Resilience – Beyond Denial and Resignation
Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
In the face of overwhelming adversity, mental defeat can be a profound human response, marking a breakdown in resilience and coping mechanisms. Whether triggered by encountering a superior force, falling victim to a scam, or experiencing betrayal, the shock of defeat can lead individuals to completely give up.
This reaction stems from our primal instincts and emotional responses, often leaving us feeling powerless and overwhelmed. The freeze response, similar to encountering a predator in the wild, can cause individuals to assume subservience, lasting far longer than the initial threat.
In scams, victims may experience a similar sense of resignation, compounded by feelings of embarrassment, anger, and vulnerability. Mental defeat represents a breakdown of resilience because it undermines our capacity to cope effectively with adversity, eroding self-efficacy, motivation, and belief in our ability to influence outcomes.
