This article examines and introduces the concepts of the psychological phenomenon of denial among scam victims, exploring its various forms and underlying reasons. Denial, a defense and coping mechanism shields individuals from the emotional distress of realizing they have been deceived, often manifested in forms like outright refusal to acknowledge the scam, minimizing its impact, rationalizing the scammer’s behavior, or projecting blame. Common after scams due to the emotional manipulation victims endure, denial offers temporary relief but impedes long-term recovery by blocking acknowledgment of vulnerability and the extent of losses. Factors such as fear of judgment, cognitive dissonance, and the hope for restitution contribute to its persistence. Overcoming denial is necessary for victims to seek support, process trauma, and regain control, highlighting the importance of education, empathetic support, and professional intervention in facilitating recovery and resilience post-scam.
https://scampsychology.org/denial-maladaptive-coping-mechanism-in-scam-victims-2024/
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revkevsdi ·
