Here at Tria Corda Ministry, we often talk about trauma’s impacts because this knowledge is an essential part of becoming trauma-informed.
In past articles, we’ve talked about the general impacts of trauma and the impacts of trauma experienced in childhood. Today, we’ll be discussing betrayal trauma, a particularly devastating form of trauma.
Before we begin any discussion about the effects of trauma, it is important to remind ourselves that healing and resilience are possible. Many factors can prevent these effects from occurring in the first place, and many factors can lead to their healing if they have occurred.
Our purpose here is to learn about potential ways trauma can adversely impact people, so that we can then use this knowledge to create trauma-informed, healing ministries.
If you begin to feel overwhelmed at any point when reading this article, please pause and seek guidance from a trained mental health professional, a trusted friend, or a mentor.
The Definition of Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma theory was first proposed in 1991 by Dr. Jennifer Freyd.
This theory defines betrayal trauma as trauma perpetrated by someone trusted or someone we’re dependent on (1). Things like intimate partner violence, infidelity, and childhood abuse by parents fall into this category.
According to betrayal trauma theory, betrayal trauma is especially damaging because the victim’s brain becomes confused by being both dependent on the perpetrator and hurt by them. This creates a conflict in their brain between wanting to stay in the relationship and wanting to defend themselves.
In this confusion, the victim’s brain may suppress awareness of the betrayal, allowing them to focus on love and positive connection in the relationship and push the betrayal out of their minds. This may result in a lack of awareness about the trauma.
If they feel shame or other negative emotions as a result of the trauma, the victim may attribute it to their own negative qualities, instead of the trauma they’re facing. In the end, this suppression of awareness of the betrayal detaches people from their thoughts, experiences, emotions, and more, a process called dissociation.
The Impacts of Betrayal Trauma
Several studies have found that, compared to non-betrayal trauma, betrayal trauma makes the potential negative consequences of trauma more likely (1).
For example, in one study of college students, students who experienced more trauma experienced more depression and PTSD, but this was far more likely for students who experienced betrayal trauma vs. non-betrayal trauma (2).
In another study, high betrayal traumas led to an increased likelihood of an inability to name or feel emotions, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems, but other non-betrayal traumas did not (3).
Finally, when people experience betrayal trauma, this understandably makes it difficult to trust individuals and systems, and also leads to difficulties in relationships (1).
Conclusion
Armed with this knowledge about betrayal trauma and its impacts, you are now better equipped to be trauma-informed in your ministry.
Now, you will know that difficulties with trust in others and institutions among those you minister to, as well as other adverse behaviors, may be rooted in betrayal trauma, and you can respond with compassion and, if necessary, referrals to healing resources.