What is Houdini syndrome and how does it affect couples?

More and more often, in couple relationships, we talk about Houdini syndrome, which psychology has linked to the evasive magician precisely because of his intentions, and has established the effects on relationships and health. But AS What is this toxic behavior and how does it affect you?

Separations and divorces They proliferate not only in Latin American countries, but in Europe and the rest of the world. A new era in which, according to some specialists, flexibility reigns supreme.

But, as we know, relationships are very complicated and it is not always entirely clear, paradoxically, when There seems to be hypercommunication.

So when everything seemed to be going well, some hearts broke because of the person we were with leaves us without further explanation

What is Houdini syndrome

Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was a renowned magician of Astro-Hungarian origin of the early 20th century who was notable for his evasion skills.

He has freed himself from seemingly impossible situations such as padlocks, handcuffs, ropes or straitjackets, including underwater or suspended upside down at the top of skyscrapers.

But in this case it is the reference to the Houdini syndrome in relationships sentimental escape related to the psychological and emotional spherewhich is similar to the avoidance mechanism.

People who suffer from it are characterized by periodic escape from work, responsibilities and even relationships.

One of their key characteristics is that they tend to do this engage quickly, But as your commitment increases, so does your need to escape.to define Better with healthFrom ACE.

Eventually, there comes a point where they simply disappear and what is known ghost.

Houdini syndrome is not classified as such in Chapter V of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Psychiatric Association (APA), or in some other psychiatric model.

That is, Houdini syndrome In reality it is not a pathology recognized by sciencethey specify in the Journal of the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

The 3 phases of Houdini syndrome in couples

Those who analyze links today talk about many possibilities and none at the same timewith people living overwhelmed.

Regarding Houdini syndrome, a self-protective attitude towards the possible compromises and conflicts that can arise from a relationshipthe Salud180 website lists the following phases:

• High point of the relationship. It is the phase in which you experience falling in love at its maximum expression and you believe you have found the perfect person. It is an ephemeral phase.

• Doubts and worries. The questions about the strength of the relationship begin. The foundations now shake and uncertainty begins to loom over the relationship.

• Emotional escape. This is the culminating moment when the person suffering from Houdini syndrome withdraws from the relationship, sometimes without warning or explanation.

Why Houdini syndrome occurs

According to what psychologists explain, there are some factors which, added together, could give rise to a lethal combination.

Immaturity. It has to do with poor emotional education and stereotypes about what relationships should be like. There is also the fear of commitment or inability to plan one’s life.

Individualistic society. Stable relationships, starting families, and sex as an expression of love don’t seem to be part of new relationships. The change is due to a kind of misunderstood freedom that manifests itself as individualism.

Internet, social networks and new technologies. A combo that seems to have dozens of potential partners, derived from written and photographic exchanges. This makes it “more expensive” to make a decision and stick with one person.