What psychological condition may emerge when an individual's needs of the self are denied?

The psychological condition that is most closely associated with the denial of an individual's needs of the self is depression. When a person's fundamental needs—such as the need for validation, autonomy, and self-actualization—are not met, it can lead to a significant decline in their overall emotional and psychological well-being.

This experience can foster feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth, which are hallmark symptoms of depression. The denial of these intrinsic needs disrupts the individual's sense of identity and belonging, leading to pervasive sadness or withdrawal from relationships and activities that once provided joy. As a result, individuals may feel overwhelmed, rendered unable to engage with the world around them, which is a critical aspect of depressive states.

While severe anxiety, stress, and isolation can also stem from unmet needs, they manifest differently and may not encompass the full range of emotional suffering that aligns with depression. Anxiety involves an excess of worry or fear often about future events, while stress is more about the response to external pressures. Isolation can be a symptom of various mental health issues, including depression, but it does not inherently capture the internal emotional struggle that defines depressive states.