The Psychology of Intimidation
Intimidation is a psychological tactic often used to assert dominance or control over others. It involves behaviors or actions that evoke fear, anxiety, or submission in the target. Intimidation can manifest in various forms, such as physical presence, verbal threats, or manipulative tactics. It is often rooted in power dynamics and can trigger a fight-or-flight response in individuals. Understanding intimidation requires examining its impact on social interactions, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.
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Cite this post
Sutton, G. S. (2025). The psychology of intimidation. Psychology Concepts and Theories. https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2025/03/intimidation-in-psychology.html
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Forms of Intimidation
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse is a form of intimidation that uses words to exert control, instill fear, or demean another person. It often involves shouting, insults, threats, or manipulative language designed to undermine the target's confidence and self-esteem. This type of abuse can have long-lasting psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, as it taps into the emotional vulnerabilities of the individual.
Here is a relevant journal article titled "Verbal Abuse, Depersonalization, and the Innate Alarm and Defensive Systems" published in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma. This study explores verbal abuse as a severe form of relational trauma and its connection to depersonalization symptoms. It also discusses the neurobiological mechanisms involved and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Nonverbal Intimidation
Nonverbal intimidation involves the use of body language, facial expressions, gestures, or other nonverbal cues to assert dominance, instill fear, or manipulate others. This form of intimidation can include prolonged staring, invading personal space, aggressive posturing, or even subtle actions like dismissive gestures. It often operates on a subconscious level, leveraging the power of nonverbal communication to influence social dynamics and power relationships.
A study by Burgoon et al. (2021) explores how nonverbal behaviors convey relational messages, focusing on three key dimensions: dominance-submission, trust-distrust, and composure-nervousness. The research highlights the role of facial expressions, posture, and vocal cues in shaping interpersonal dynamics. Using advanced tools like machine learning, the study delves into the complexities of nonverbal communication, particularly in group interactions involving deception. It also addresses challenges in studying these behaviors under naturalistic conditions and proposes methods to overcome them. This work underscores the subtle yet powerful impact of nonverbal signals on relationships and social interactions.
A chapter by Chadee, Chadee, and Kostić (2025) may also be helpful. The authors examine the role of nonverbal behavior in investigative interviewing. The chapter highlights how body language, such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture, can influence the dynamics of interviews, particularly in legal and forensic contexts. The authors discuss the importance of understanding nonverbal cues to detect deception, build rapport, and enhance communication effectiveness. They also explore the challenges of interpreting nonverbal signals accurately and emphasize the need for training and awareness in this area.
Psychological Manipulation
Psychological manipulation involves tactics aimed at influencing or controlling another person's thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, often through deceptive or exploitative means. Intimidation, a subset of manipulation, uses fear, threats, or dominance to achieve similar goals. Both are rooted in power dynamics and can have significant psychological impacts, such as anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and emotional distress.
Here are two related studies.
The study by Burgoon et al. (2021) explores how nonverbal behaviors convey relational messages, focusing on three key dimensions: dominance-submission, trust-distrust, and composure-nervousness. The research highlights the role of facial expressions, posture, and vocal cues in shaping interpersonal dynamics. Using advanced tools like machine learning, the study delves into the complexities of nonverbal communication, particularly in group interactions involving deception. It also addresses challenges in studying these behaviors under naturalistic conditions and proposes methods to overcome them. This work underscores the subtle yet powerful impact of nonverbal signals on relationships and social interactions.
The chapter by Chadee, Chadee, and Kostić (2025) examines the role of nonverbal behavior in investigative interviewing. It highlights how body language, such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture, can influence the dynamics of interviews, particularly in legal and forensic contexts. The authors discuss the importance of understanding nonverbal cues to detect deception, build rapport, and enhance communication effectiveness. They also explore the challenges of interpreting nonverbal signals accurately and emphasize the need for training and awareness in this area. This work provides valuable insights into the intersection of psychology, communication, and investigative practices.
Bullying
Bullying is a form of intimidation that involves repeated aggressive behavior intended to harm, dominate, or control another individual. It often exploits power imbalances and can manifest in various forms, including physical, verbal, social, or cyberbullying. The psychological effects of bullying can be profound, leading to anxiety, depression, and long-term emotional trauma.
Here are summaries of two relevant psychology journal articles:
Hymel, S., & Swearer, S. M. (2015) provide an overview of 40 years of research on school bullying, focusing on its prevalence, forms, and psychological consequences. It highlights the complexity of bullying behaviors and their impact on victims, including emotional distress and academic challenges. The authors also discuss effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Tuckey and colleagues (2022) examined bullying in the workplace as a systemic issue. Their study examines workplace bullying as a systemic issue linked to ineffective management practices. It explores the contexts in which bullying arises and its detrimental effects on employees' mental health and organizational culture. The authors propose strategies for improving management practices to mitigate bullying.
Why Do People Intimidate?
Desire for Control: Some people use intimidation to exert control over others, manipulate situations, or maintain dominance. (2, 3)
Lack of Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem may resort to intimidation to feel powerful or in control. (2, 5) Read about self-esttem.
Personality Disorders: Certain personality disorders, like narcissistic personality disorder, can be associated with a tendency to intimidate others. (2)
Learned Behavior: Intimidating behavior can be learned through upbringing, experiences, or observing others. (2)
To Hide Insecurities: Some people use intimidation to mask their own insecurities or vulnerabilities. (4)
What are the Effects of Intimidation?
Emotional Distress: Intimidation can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Social Isolation: Victims of intimidation may withdraw from social situations or relationships.
Physical Health Problems: Chronic stress and anxiety caused by intimidation can lead to physical health problems.
Reduced Functioning: Intimidation can negatively impact a person's ability to work, study, or engage in other activities. (1, 7)
What are Some Ways to Deal With Intimidation?
Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations to the person who is intimidating you. (6)
Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a psychotherapist about your experiences. (7)
Report the Behavior: If you are being bullied or harassed, report the behavior to the appropriate authorities. (8)
Focus on Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote your well-being and help you to feel confident and empowered. (7)
Cite this post
Sutton, G. S. (2025). The psychology of intimidation. Psychology Concepts and Theories. https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2025/03/intimidation-in-psychology.html
Journal References
Burgoon, J. K., Wang, X., Chen, X., & Pentland, S. J. (2021). Nonverbal behaviors “speak” relational messages of dominance, trust, and composure. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624177
Chadee, M., Chadee, D., & Kostić, A. (2025). Investigative interviewing: Implications for nonverbal behaviour. In Body Language Communication (pp. 355–376). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70064-4_14
Frau, C., & Corrigan, F. M. (2024). Verbal abuse, depersonalization, and the innate alarm and defensive systems: A single case illustration of treatment with deep brain reorienting. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-024-00672-z
Gaikwad, M. M., & Sharma, L. (2024). Gaslighting: An in-depth review of psychological manipulation and its implications. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. Retrieved from EPRA Journals.
Hymel, S., & Swearer, S. M. (2015). Four decades of research on school bullying: An introduction. American Psychologist, 70(4), 293–299. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038928
March, E., Kay, C. S., Dinić, B. M., Wagstaff, D., Grabovac, B., & Jonason, P. K. (2025). "It’s all in your head": Personality traits and gaslighting tactics in intimate relationships. Journal of Family Violence, 40, 259–268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-023-00582-y
Tuckey, M. R., Li, Y., Neall, A. M., Chen, P. Y., Dollard, M. F., McLinton, S. S., Rogers, A., & Mattiske, J. (2022).
Online References and Resources
1 https://www.local.gov.uk/practical-advice-handling-psychological-abuse-and-impact-wellbeing
2 https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-be-less-intimidating-7094249
3 https://www.ywcanwil.org/intimidation-the-why-behind-it/
4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intimidation(
5 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201908/the-intimidation-factor
6 https://psychcentral.com/blog/feeling-intimidated-you-can-overcome-it
7 https://thesummitwellnessgroup.com/blog/effects-of-emotional-intimidation/
8 https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/threat_guide_english_final.pdf
Post Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com
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Images created by Geoffrey W. Sutton and artspace.ai
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