Chandigarh, Nov 21, 2025: Why people knowingly violate trust within personal relationships remains a persistent question for psychologists and social researchers. While the forms of wrongdoing may vary—ranging from disregard for boundaries to emotional manipulation—experts say the underlying motivations often stem from internal pressures that individuals struggle to recognise or manage.
Specialists note that much of this behaviour originates from unaddressed emotional needs. These unmet needs, sometimes formed early in life, can manifest as insecurity, fear of abandonment, or an urge for validation. When these vulnerabilities remain unresolved, they may influence how a person behaves with those around them.
“Many individuals act out of fear or scarcity without realising how their actions affect others,” a clinical psychologist said. “When someone feels emotionally threatened or inadequate, they may respond in ways that protect themselves but harm the relationship.”
Researchers point out that such behaviour often takes the form of projection—imposing one’s own anxieties or weaknesses onto others. Studies show that people who feel overwhelmed by internal conflicts sometimes externalise them, crossing boundaries in the process. This may lead to dismissing another person’s rights, undermining trust, or shifting responsibility for their own actions.
According to behavioural experts, these patterns can intensify in close relationships, where expectations and emotional stakes are higher. “Trust brings vulnerability,” a relationship counsellor noted. “In close environments, unresolved fears surface more quickly. Some people manage this through communication, but others resort to defensive or harmful behaviour.”
While emotional vulnerabilities can help explain why people act in certain ways, professionals stress that these factors do not excuse boundary violations. They argue that awareness and accountability remain essential, especially when personal actions affect another’s well-being.
“Understanding the psychology behind harmful behaviour is important,” the psychologist added. “But recognising it does not justify ignoring someone else’s dignity or rights. People need to take responsibility for seeking healthier ways to manage their internal struggles.”
Experts say the issue reflects a broader societal gap in emotional literacy. As discussions around mental health and interpersonal responsibility grow, specialists believe that better education on communication, conflict handling and empathy may reduce such patterns over time.
