Victims might self-dehumanize because doing so makes their maltreatment appear to be deserved, reducing their distress.

Evidence

A dehumanization perspective on dependence in low-… (SAGE Journals)

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim
• XREF: connects to: Accusations of extreme wrongdoing can dehumanize scapegoats. — Lynley Hood, A City Possessed, 82; Dehumanizing portrayals can lead victims to be seen as less capable of suffering and less deserving of humane treatment. — 5 Reasons Why People Blame Victims; Self-dehumanization was moderately associated with anxiety, negative affect and physical symptoms of distress in a non-clinical population. — Is suffering less human? Distressing situations’ effects on dehumanizing the self and others (+1 more)