Masking is the conscious or unconscious process of hiding, suppressing, or changing parts of yourself so that you appear more socially acceptable or less noticeable to others.
In psychology, masking may involve:
- Hiding emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, or fear
- Pretending to understand something when you do not
- Suppressing natural behaviors or mannerisms
- Copying other people’s social behavior
- Rehearsing conversations or carefully monitoring what you say
- Forcing eye contact, facial expressions, or gestures
- Acting cheerful when you are distressed
- Avoiding behaviors that might attract negative attention
Masking and neurodivergence
The term may be particularly common when discussing autism and ADHD. A person may consciously or unconsciously imitate neurotypical social behavior to fit in, avoid stigma, or prevent rejection.
For example:
An autistic person might suppress repetitive movements, force themselves to maintain eye contact, or memorize conversational scripts.
Masking vs. ordinary social adaptation
Not all adjustment is pathological. Everyone modifies behavior depending on context. Masking becomes more concerning when it is persistent, exhausting, distressing, or requires someone to repeatedly suppress important aspects of themselves.
Long-term masking may be associated with:
- Emotional exhaustion and burnout
- Anxiety and depression
- Reduced sense of identity or authenticity
- Low self-esteem
- Increased stress
- Feeling that others don’t really know the “real” you
In simple terms:
Masking: “I’m hiding or modifying parts of myself so I may fit in, avoid judgment, or feel safer.”
Masking may also occur in trauma, social anxiety, minority stress, and other situations not only autism or ADHD.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 