Trauma Bond Awareness, Information, Resources and Research
“Their experiences led them to create assumptions about others and related beliefs about themselves such as "this is my lot in life" and "this is what I deserve". Some also learned that personal safety and happiness are of lower priority than survival and that it may be safer to give in than to actively fight off additional abuse and victimization. When abuse is perpetrated by intimates, it is additionally confounding in terms of attachment, betrayal, and trust. Victims may be unable to leave or to fight back due to strong, albeit insecure and disorganized, attachment and misplaced loyalty to abusers. They may have also experienced trauma bonding over the course of their victimization, that is, a bond of specialness with or dependence on the abuser.”― Christine A. Courtois
Trauma Bonds and Abuse
Trauma Bond Research
What is a Trauma Bond?
A trauma bond refers to a complex psychological attachment that forms between two people, typically as a result of a traumatic or abusive relationship. It is characterized by a strong emotional bond that develops due to a shared experience of intense emotional, physical, or psychological pain. Trauma bonds can occur in various types of relationships, such as romantic partnerships, friendships, or even relationships with family members.
Trauma bonds often arise in situations where one person alternates between providing moments of affection, validation, or kindness and inflicting harm, manipulation, or abuse. The intermittent reinforcement of positive and negative behaviors creates a powerful psychological attachment. The victim becomes emotionally dependent on the abuser, seeking validation and approval despite the harm inflicted.
Several factors contribute to the development and maintenance of a trauma bond:
1. Intense emotional experiences: Trauma bonds form when individuals experience intense emotional highs and lows, creating a heightened sense of connection and dependency.
2. Isolation: The abuser may isolate the victim from their support system, making the victim more dependent on the abuser for emotional support and validation.
3. Fear and control: The presence of fear and control techniques, such as threats, manipulation, or gaslighting, can reinforce the trauma bond as the victim becomes conditioned to rely on the abuser for safety.
4. Cognitive dissonance: The victim may hold conflicting beliefs about the abuser, simultaneously acknowledging the harm caused while clinging to positive aspects of the relationship or hoping for change.
5. Low self-esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem or a history of trauma may be more susceptible to trauma bonds, as they may have a heightened need for validation and struggle to establish healthy boundaries.
It's important to note that trauma bonds can be incredibly challenging to break, as they often involve a complex interplay of emotions, psychological conditioning, and dependency. Professional help, such as therapy or counseling, is often necessary to address the underlying trauma and develop strategies for healing and breaking free from the bond." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)
Are you in a Trauma Bond? Safer Places
Can You Develop a Trauma Bond Attachment as a Result of Abuse? Psychology Today
Emotional Attachments in Abusive Relationships: a Test of Traumatic Bonding Theory NIH
Expanding the Theory of Traumatic Bonding as it Relates to Forgiveness, Romantic Attachment, and Intention attachment, and Intention to Return PDF Download University of Tennessee
How to Break an Abusive Trauma Bond Oprah Daily
How to Break a Trauma Bond Socal Mental Health
Trauma bonds often arise in situations where one person alternates between providing moments of affection, validation, or kindness and inflicting harm, manipulation, or abuse. The intermittent reinforcement of positive and negative behaviors creates a powerful psychological attachment. The victim becomes emotionally dependent on the abuser, seeking validation and approval despite the harm inflicted.
Several factors contribute to the development and maintenance of a trauma bond:
1. Intense emotional experiences: Trauma bonds form when individuals experience intense emotional highs and lows, creating a heightened sense of connection and dependency.
2. Isolation: The abuser may isolate the victim from their support system, making the victim more dependent on the abuser for emotional support and validation.
3. Fear and control: The presence of fear and control techniques, such as threats, manipulation, or gaslighting, can reinforce the trauma bond as the victim becomes conditioned to rely on the abuser for safety.
4. Cognitive dissonance: The victim may hold conflicting beliefs about the abuser, simultaneously acknowledging the harm caused while clinging to positive aspects of the relationship or hoping for change.
5. Low self-esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem or a history of trauma may be more susceptible to trauma bonds, as they may have a heightened need for validation and struggle to establish healthy boundaries.
It's important to note that trauma bonds can be incredibly challenging to break, as they often involve a complex interplay of emotions, psychological conditioning, and dependency. Professional help, such as therapy or counseling, is often necessary to address the underlying trauma and develop strategies for healing and breaking free from the bond." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)
Expanding the Theory of Traumatic Bonding as it Relates to Forgiveness, Romantic Attachment, and Intention attachment, and Intention to Return PDF Download University of Tennessee
How to Break a Trauma Bond Socal Mental Health
How To Heal from a Trauma Bond Relationship All Points North
How To Tell if You’re in a Trauma Bonding Relationship - And What To Do About It Well + Good
Identifying & Overcoming Trauma Bonds National Domestic Violence Hotline
The 7 Stages of Trauma Bonding Choosing Therapy
Traumatic Bonding: The Development of Emotional Attachments in Battered Women and other Relationships of Intermittent Abuse ResearchGate
What Is Trauma Bonding? Signs and How To Cope Cleveland Clinic
Ways the Concept of Trauma Bonding Works Against Survivors Safe & Together Institute
The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding Psychology Today
Trauma Bonding: Definition, Examples, Signs, and Recovery Medical News Today
Trauma Bonding: Definition, Examples, Signs, and Recovery Medical News Today
Trauma Bonding – Why you can’t stop Loving the Narcissist Broxtowe Women's Project
Trauma Bonding Explained: Signs and How to Break the Bond The Mend Project
Traumatic Bonding in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence is Intensified via Empathy Sage Journals
Traumatic Bonding in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence is Intensified via Empathy Sage Journals
Types of Trauma Bonds Peaks Recovery Centers
The Scars That Remain: How Trauma Bonds Shape Our Lives Melinda du Plooy Counselling Services
The Scars That Remain: How Trauma Bonds Shape Our Lives Melinda du Plooy Counselling Services
What Is Trauma Bonding? Signs and How To Cope Cleveland Clinic
Women of Intimate Partner Abuse: Traumatic
Bonding Phenomenon PDF Download Walden University
