Traumatic Betrayal: Examination of Effects, Origins, and Healing Processes
Uncovering the Impact of Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma, a term coined by psychologist Jennifer Freyd in 1991, refers to the profound psychological effects that can result from a breach of trust by someone a person depends on [1]. This betrayal, often experienced as a violation of core relational trust and security, can have long-lasting implications on a person's emotional wellbeing and future relationships.
Understanding Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma can manifest in various ways, including persistent loss of trust, emotional shutdown, intrusive memories, low self-esteem, and symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [1][2]. Examples of situations that can cause betrayal trauma include caregiver abuse, institutionalized racism, abuse, sexual harassment, manipulation, infidelity, neglect, and dishonesty.
The Role of Attachment Style
A person's attachment style, formed in early childhood, can influence their susceptibility to betrayal trauma. There are four primary attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. People with a disorganized attachment style are particularly susceptible, as are those with an anxious attachment style [2][4].
Betrayal trauma can lead to attachment insecurity, making individuals more prone to anxious or avoidant attachment behaviors in future relationships. This can manifest as hypervigilance, fear of abandonment, or emotional withdrawal [2][4]. It can also cause difficulties in trust-building, resulting in reluctance to form close bonds or excessive dependence due to fear of being hurt again [1][2].
Impact on Future Relationships
Survivors of betrayal trauma may experience difficulty trusting new partners or maintaining emotional intimacy. They may also exhibit heightened sensitivity to perceived signs of betrayal, sometimes leading to over-interpretation or mistrust [2][4]. Challenges with setting boundaries or expressing needs due to fear of rejection or further betrayals are also common [2][4].
The Consequences of Betrayal Trauma
High betrayal trauma can lead to various effects, including physical illness, anxiety, depression, dissociative symptoms, and PTSD symptoms [1][2]. It can also contribute to revictimization, where people who experience betrayal trauma as children are more likely to encounter it repeatedly throughout their lives [4].
Betrayal trauma can lead to a phenomenon called "betrayal blindness," where a person is more likely to forget traumatic events with a high degree of betrayal [1]. Mistrust of helpful institutions like the healthcare system is another effect of betrayal trauma [4]. People who have experienced high betrayal trauma may also be less likely to access social support, which is crucial for developing emotional regulation skills [4].
Seeking Help
Therapy can help a person work through the effects of betrayal trauma and learn coping strategies to promote healing. Online directories, such as the American Psychological Association's psychologist locator and the American Psychiatric Association's find a psychiatrist, are available for locating a therapist [3]. Anyone interested in exploring therapy for betrayal trauma can begin by talking with their family doctor, who may be able to provide a referral.
[1] Freyd, J. J. (1991). Betrayal trauma: The logical structure of rationalized sadism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(4), 575-588. [2] Johnson, S. M., & Green, M. F. (2015). Attachment in couples: Understanding, predicting, and repairing relationship problems. Guilford Press. [3] American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Find a psychologist. APA. Retrieved from https://locator.apa.org/ [4] Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. BasicBooks. [5] Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
- The mental health effects of betrayal trauma, similar to those of PTSD, can include persistent loss of trust, emotional shutdown, intrusive memories, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
- Understanding betrayal trauma is crucial, as it can stem from various situations like caregiver abuse, institutionalized racism, abuse, sexual harassment, manipulation, infidelity, neglect, and dishonesty.
- A person's attachment style, formed in early childhood, can influence their susceptibility to betrayal trauma, particularly those with a disorganized or anxious attachment style.
- Betrayal trauma can lead to attachment insecurity, making individuals more prone to anxious or avoidant attachment behaviors in future relationships.
- Seeking help from mental health professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists can be beneficial for those dealing with the effects of betrayal trauma.
- Overlooked consequences of betrayal trauma can include physical illness, dissociative symptoms, mistrust of helpful institutions like the healthcare system, and reluctance to access social support, which are essential for emotional regulation skills.
