Chamisma

Chamisma is a neologism, a portmanteau of "charisma" and "masochism." It describes the paradoxical attraction to, or enabling of, abusive or exploitative relationships or situations. It suggests a tendency to be drawn to individuals who exhibit charismatic but ultimately harmful behaviors.

The term is often used, sometimes humorously, to identify a pattern of behavior where a person is repeatedly involved in relationships that are damaging to their well-being, specifically where a power dynamic exists and the individual is drawn to the dominant, often negatively charismatic, partner. Chamisma can also be used more broadly to describe an individual's attraction to toxic environments, such as workplaces or social groups, where they are consistently mistreated or undervalued despite, or perhaps because of, a compelling leader or ideology.

While not a clinically recognized term, chamisma is used in informal contexts to describe a complex psychological dynamic wherein the perceived allure of a powerful or charismatic figure overrides considerations of self-preservation or well-being. The root causes are often speculated to lie in past experiences of trauma, low self-esteem, or a distorted perception of love and acceptance. The individual exhibiting "chamisma" may be consciously or unconsciously seeking validation or a familiar, albeit destructive, dynamic.