Abstract. The present study aims, by using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, to describe the local process towards the pressure-induced abrupt changes in the resistivity in the Jahn-Teller distorted LaMnO₃ doped compounds. Local environment of manganese atoms under pressure up to 37 GPa has been studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. We identify successive steps towards the pressure-induced abrupt changes in the resistivity. These steps are associated to local processes such as the opening of the inter-octahedra tilt angles and the average symmetrization of the Mn local environment. All modifications present a hysteretic behavior when the pressure is released, pointing to the coexistence of MnO₆ distorted and undistorted units.