Self-silencing in the Indian socio-cultural context
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of Indian adults
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11469859 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Swathy Sathyapal (0000-0002-7721-5603, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, corresponding author), Amrita Deb (0000-0003-3851-9089, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 664-691 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-19 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/02654075251381748 |
| OpenAlex | W4414378974 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 41 |
Self-silencing is the tendency of individuals to behave in ways involving inhibition of self-expression and sacrificing one’s own needs to avoid conflict and gain acceptance from others in close relationships. Currently, there is limited research on the contextual and socio-cultural factors that influence self-silencing, especially in collectivistic cultures such as that of India. This study uses a culturally sensitive lens to qualitatively explore how adults who have experienced relational adversities in the Indian context experience self-silencing and how they negotiate self-expression within interpersonal communication in a culture that is largely collectivistic and strongly hierarchical. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Indian adults (five women and three men, 23–30 years, M = 26.25) who reported self-silencing in close relationships. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the data. Four themes were thus derived: (1) Deciding to self-silence: Contextual and cognitive considerations, (2) Cultural pillars of hierarchy and obedience, (3) Learning silence from the environment, and (4) Rupture and reappraisal: Finding healthier ways to adapt. The findings not only illuminate the subjective experiences of self-silencing but also suggest that individuals did not passively self-silence in most situations, but rather engaged in an active negotiation process depending on socio-contextual cues and used adaptive strategies to accommodate self-expression within the sociocultural norms of acceptability. Participants also reappraised their self-silencing tendencies over time and found healthier ways of communicating their needs in relationships with the help of several internal and external factors. By providing insights into these experiences, the meaning people give to their self-silencing tendencies, and the role of the family and broader sociocultural norms in its development, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding personal agency, cultural dynamics, and psychological well-being in the collectivistic Indian context
Collectivism · Context (archaeology · Hierarchy · Interpersonal communication · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Meaning (existential · Negotiation · Silence · Sociocultural evolution · Family Support in Illness · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Resilience and Mental Health
Essentials of interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
A critical evaluation of the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) in health psychology
Indian family systems, collectivistic society and psychotherapy
Research Methods for Studying Narrative Identity
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
Self-silencing in school
Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Self-Silencing, Trauma, and Mental Health Among Juvenile Legal System-Involved Youth
Premenstrual Syndrome and Self-policing
Avoiding Traps in Member Checking
Exploring Self-Silencing in Workplace Relationships
Self-Silencing, Emotional Awareness, and Eating Behaviors in College Women
Gender Differences in Self-Silencing and Psychological Distress in Informal Cancer Carers
The Silencing the Self Scale
Never Let Them See You Sweat
Family as a source of risk and resilience among adults with a history of childhood adversity
Familism Is Associated With Psychological Well-Being and Physical Health
Sample Size in Qualitative Interview Studies
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Beyond Joint and Nuclear
Love, Arranged Marriage, and the Indian Social Structure
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |