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Perceived Coercion

Meaning

Perceived coercion is the subjective feeling experienced by an individual that they are being pressured, manipulated, or forced to comply with a medical recommendation or health intervention against their free will or personal judgment. This psychological state, even if the coercion is not explicitly intended, undermines patient autonomy, reduces adherence to treatment plans, and erodes the therapeutic relationship between patient and clinician. Clinically, recognizing and addressing perceived coercion is essential for ethical practice.