Self-silencing in the Indian socio-cultural context: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of Indian adults

Abstract

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.