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The Dark Secrets of Psychological Torture: How These Techniques Destroy People's Minds
Psychological torture, often referred to as psychological abuse or emotional torture, relies primarily on psychological effects, with secondary physical harm to the person being tortured. While not all psychological torture involves physical violence, there is a similar continuity between psychological and physical torture. The two are often used together and often overlap in practice, with physical torture causing fear and pain that can lead to long-term psychological consequences, while many forms of psychological torture include some form of pain or coercion.
"Torture is an act of intentionally inflicting significant pain or suffering, whether physical or psychological, to obtain information or confessions from an individual or other third party."
According to the United Nations Convention against Torture, which was adopted on December 10, 1984 and entered into force on June 26, 1987. The convention requires states to take effective measures to prevent any form of torture and prohibits the transport of anyone to a country where there is reason to believe torture may occur. This resulted in a clear definition of psychological torture for the first time and established an international legal framework aimed at protecting human rights.
Modern definitions of psychological torture involve “inputs and processes that attack or manipulate the conscious mind so that the individual remains attuned to the world around him, retains control, and possesses the necessary conditions for judgment, understanding, and free decision-making. It is the essential component of the uninjured self."
Types of psychological torture
There are various methods of psychological torture, with the goal of destroying the victim's normal self-image. Methods include: depriving control of the environment, isolation, manipulation of perception, creating the impression of omnipotence, leading to learned helplessness, Psychological regression and bruised self-esteem; also includes humiliation, forced nudity, head shaving, sleep deprivation, head coverings and other forms of sensory deprivation.
"Most methods of psychological torture are indirect, with the victim forced to witness the torture of others, usually close people."
In 1956, psychologist Albert Biedermann proposed three basic actions to break a victim's spirit: dependence, weakness, and fear. His theories were further developed in CIA operations amplifying. Most psychological torture techniques do not leave direct physical damage, however, they may cause lasting psychological damage similar to physical torture.
The impact of psychological torture
The effects of psychological torture are often far-reaching, with victims experiencing lasting psychological problems such as post-traumatic syndrome (PTSD), anxiety and depression. The United States widely used psychological torture techniques in Guantanamo Bay and other areas after the 9/11 incident. The legality and morality of these measures have been widely questioned, and many countries around the world have been accused of using similar psychological torture techniques.
Torture incidents around the world
Although the United Nations Convention against Torture, signed by more than 158 countries, provides a legal basis for protecting victims, in reality, law enforcement agencies in many countries still use these methods to achieve their goals at all costs. This not only involves national security issues, but also raises major concerns about human rights.
"Medical professionals involved in these torture practices refined these techniques and enhanced their effectiveness."
Today, many psychiatric experts express strong opposition to these methods and call on the international community to take effective action to combat this unacceptable behavior. However, in the face of countries that resort to psychological torture, can the international community build an effective regulatory framework to protect victims from re-victimization?
