What can make a person lose the ability to decide who they are, or who they want to be?

Question

I just saw one of those 'Above the Influence' comercials. It depicted a young man having others make his decisions for him. So, the gist was that drug addiction makes a person lose the ability to define themselves.

But this question is not about drugs.

What are some other things? There must be other things, right?

Answer 1

Upbringing... certain parenting styles can cause a child not to develop that ability at all.

Answer 2

people who are in abusive relationships often describe feeling like they've lost themselves...

Answer 3

bastardisation

Answer 4

yea there can be other things as well, such as my grandma who had a stroke rendering her disabled and paralized. I have a brother who has seizures whle he is awake making it so he can never get a drivers permit. The list goes on.

Answer 5

Fear can stop a person from deciding who they want to be. The fear of making a mistake or the fear of what others might think of them.

Answer 6

a domineering influence, parent....?

Answer 7

Disillutionment with the world in general is a biggie...people who thought their lives would turn out one way...and then doesn't, for one reason or the other.  Strong people recognize a failed plan as an opportunity for a new and improved path - weaker folks cave.  And that caving leads to despair or the loss of ability to go forward.