Submissive Personality: 10 Psychological Traits That Define it | 2024 (2024)

Although sometimes being submissive can be good, the reality is that having one of these psychological traits can imply many problems on a personal and professional level. So much so that on many occasions these types of people are seen as people with no personality or very little personality. But is it really like that? What does it mean to have a submissive attitude?

A submissive personality is characterized by a tendency to defer to others, prioritize their needs and desires over one’s own, and avoid confrontation or assertiveness in social interactions. Individuals with a submissive personality may exhibit a range of behavioral and psychological traits that influence their interpersonal relationships and interactions. In this exploration, we delve into the traits, characteristics, and potential implications of a submissive personality.

What is it to be submissive?

A person with a submissive attitude is someone who willingly submits to the authority of others. In this way, if someone who is submissive encounters a dominant personality This usually means ending up taking orders from this person. So much so that on many occasions a submissive man or a submissive woman can put aside his desires to please those around her.

Be submissive It can end up causing a person to be governed by others, which is why it is important to understand why people have one of these psychological traits.

Defining Submissive Personality: Traits and Characteristics

Individuals with a submissive personality exhibit a range of traits and characteristics that differentiate them from their counterparts. Some common attributes associated with submissiveness include:

• Compliance and Obedience: Submissive individuals tend to comply with authority figures and adhere to rules and expectations without resistance. They may prioritize harmony and peacekeeping in social interactions, often deferring to others’ opinions and preferences.
• Passivity and Timidity: Submissive individuals may display passivity and timidity in their demeanor, avoiding confrontation and conflict whenever possible. They may struggle with asserting themselves or expressing their own needs and desires, preferring to accommodate others’ wishes instead.
• Desire for Approval and Validation: Submissive individuals often seek approval and validation from others, deriving satisfaction from meeting expectations and fulfilling roles assigned to them by authority figures or dominant personalities.

Characteristics of the submissive personality

There are a series of attitudes that define a most submissive person According to psychologists we can highlight the following characteristics.

1. Low self-esteem: Normally, the submissive people of attitude, they usually suffer from low self-esteem. The reason for this is that by not having good confidence and security in ourselves, we are invaded by a series of doubts and fears around any responsibility or action we take. This is why it is sometimes said that being submissive is equivalent to having little personality.
2. Bad experiences in childhood: When a child is raised with physical abuse, excess control or humiliation, these can end up becoming submissive adults This happens because by trying to avoid these bad experiences, children end up wanting to satisfy their abusers, whether they are parents, teachers or classmates at school.
3. Lack of assertiveness: The submission and its meaning It translates into not having a voice in front of others. In this way, submissive people often end up stopping saying what they really want to settle for what those around them want. Therefore, they end up repressing their desires so as not to come into conflict with others.
4. Avoid conflicts: Another of the submissive personality characteristics The thing is that they usually do not want to debate with others. This is because they feel that their opinion is not valid enough to share with their friends, family or close people. This is why they end up repressing many of their emotions on a daily basis.
5. Emotional dependence: By having a submissive personality Individuals tend to look for a dominant person to give them the responsibility of deciding for them. So much so that on many occasions being submissive ends up entailing an emotional dependence on loved ones with more character.
6. introversion and shyness: When a person tends to repress their desires, feelings and emotions, they usually end up developing a personality with a greater tendency towards introversion. Being alone is a way to avoid the conflicts that social relationships can generate.
7. They try to please others at all costs: One of the main submissive personality characteristics It is that they usually move heaven and earth to please others and on the other hand it is difficult for them to defend their own position.
8. Negativity: By not defending their own position, the submissive men and submissive women They usually end up not achieving the goals they set for themselves in their lives. So much so that on many occasions they end up seeing reality behind a filter full of negativity.
9. They generate a bad impression: Even though one person with submissive behavior He is usually more humble and friendly towards others, the reality is that this type of very accommodating personality can end up generating a bad impression towards others. The reason for this is that people want to have people with inner security at our side since this generates more trust in others.
10. Insecurities: Not wanting to face responsibility for his actions, a submissive He ends up being a victim of his own insecurities. This greatly limits people with these psychological traits.

Be submissive It can cause many problems in our lives. For this reason, it is vital to work to stop having these personality characteristics. In many cases, apart from internal work, it will be advisable to consult with a professional psychologist.

Traits of a Submissive Personality

1. Compliance: Individuals with a submissive personality tend to comply with the requests, demands, or expectations of others, often at the expense of their own needs or desires. They may prioritize maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict over asserting their own preferences or boundaries.
2. Passivity: Submissive individuals may exhibit passivity in social situations, preferring to remain quiet, deferential, or accommodating rather than expressing their own opinions, preferences, or concerns. They may avoid taking initiative or leadership roles, deferring to others for decision-making or direction.
3. Avoidance of Confrontation: Submissive individuals typically shy away from confrontation or disagreement, preferring to minimize conflict and maintain peace in interpersonal relationships. They may struggle to assert themselves or assert their boundaries effectively, fearing rejection or disapproval from others.
4. Low Self-Esteem: Submissive personality traits may be associated with low self-esteem or self-worth, leading individuals to undervalue their own needs, opinions, and abilities compared to those of others. They may seek validation and approval from others to bolster their sense of self-worth.
5. Dependence on Others: Submissive individuals may rely heavily on others for guidance, reassurance, or decision-making, lacking confidence in their own judgment or abilities. They may defer to authority figures or dominant personalities in social or professional settings, seeking direction or validation from external sources.

How to stop being submissive?

There are a series of tips that we can follow to leave behind the submission and its meaning in our lives.

• Get your voice out: The voice is a tool to highlight our personality and leave behind our submissive side If our voice is balanced, that is, it has a good tone and volume, we will begin to perceive ourselves with more security in front of others.
• Work on your confidence: To be able to leave behind you submissive side, confidence in your actions and decisions is the key. One way to work on it will be to have more responsibility in your life. Start deciding things for yourself without consulting others. This way you will verify that many of your decisions are correct and give you good results.
• Talk more: He meaning of submissive or submissive It translates into speaking less in front of others for fear of what they will say. It’s time to reverse these types of fears. Start talking more and give your opinion to others. To do this, start with small challenges: talk to the shop assistants in the stores where you go, give your opinion on some facts in front of your family, in short, say more what you think without fearing the result.
• Practice positivity: A good method to stop being a so submissive person It is trying to practice positivity to avoid negative thoughts that limit you. To do this, start to see the logic in those ideas that pass through your mind: Is it really useful to think about it?
• Keep firm: Although it may seem like unhelpful advice, the reality is that we do not realize how important our body position is. Being upright and erect is a way to not only command respect and give an image of more personal security, but also to practice it in our lives.
• Avoid toxic people: On many occasions, the submissive people They end up falling victim to a dominant personality that tries to take advantage of them. In these cases, although sometimes some individuals do it without being aware of it, the reality is that in many cases it is a way of manipulating others to obtain a benefit.

Potential Implications of a Submissive Personality

1. Difficulty Asserting Boundaries: Individuals with a submissive personality may struggle to assert their boundaries effectively, leading to feelings of resentment, frustration, or exploitation in relationships.
2. Vulnerability to Manipulation: Submissive individuals may be more susceptible to manipulation or exploitation by others who seek to exert control or dominance over them.
3. Impact on Mental Health: Submissive personality traits may contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, particularly if individuals consistently prioritize the needs of others over their own well-being.
4. Difficulty Achieving Personal Goals: Submissive individuals may face challenges in pursuing their own goals and aspirations, as they may lack the assertiveness and self-confidence necessary to advocate for their own needs and desires.
5. Interpersonal Conflict: While submissive individuals may strive to avoid conflict, their reluctance to assert themselves or address interpersonal issues directly may inadvertently contribute to unresolved conflicts or resentments in relationships.

A submissive personality is characterized by a tendency to defer to others, prioritize harmony over assertiveness, and avoid confrontation or conflict in social interactions. While these traits may facilitate cooperation and social harmony in certain contexts, they can also have implications for individuals’ self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being.

You must work to fight against these limitations that arise from your personality. Therefore, in many cases you should go to a professional psychologist. The reason for this is that in order to reach your goals and have a full life, you must learn to trust yourself.

Understanding the Origins of Submissiveness: Psychological Factors

The development of submissive personality traits can be influenced by various psychological factors, including early childhood experiences, socialization, and cultural norms. Individuals may learn to adopt submissive behaviors as a coping mechanism in response to authoritarian or controlling environments, where assertiveness and autonomy are discouraged. Additionally, personality factors such as temperament and temperament may contribute to the expression of submissiveness in certain individuals.

Dynamics of Power and Control: Interpersonal Relationships

In interpersonal relationships, the dynamics of power and control play a significant role in shaping the behavior of submissive individuals. They may gravitate towards dominant personalities who assume leadership roles and make decisions on their behalf, finding comfort and security in relinquishing control. However, the imbalance of power inherent in such relationships can sometimes lead to exploitation or manipulation, highlighting the importance of maintaining boundaries and fostering mutual respect and consent.

Overcoming Passivity and Asserting Autonomy

While submissiveness can be a valuable trait in certain contexts, such as cooperative teamwork or collaborative endeavors, it may also pose challenges in personal and professional settings. Submissive individuals may struggle with asserting themselves, advocating for their needs, or pursuing their goals with confidence. Overcoming passivity and cultivating assertiveness requires self-awareness, communication skills, and a willingness to challenge limiting beliefs and behaviors.

Diversity in Personality: Recognizing Strengths and Limitations

The submissive personality represents a unique and nuanced aspect of human behavior, shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and cultural factors. While individuals with a submissive disposition may face challenges in asserting themselves and asserting their autonomy, they also bring valuable qualities such as cooperation, empathy, and adaptability to interpersonal interactions. By understanding and appreciating the diversity of personality traits, we can foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance in our relationships and communities.