Because of their emotional dependence and the abuse itself, they often develop a negative self-image.īook Online Our Therapists Signs of a Trauma Bond Trauma bonding can weigh heavily on a person’s mental or physical health and well-being. They display constant patterns of inconsistency and dysfunction, and there is always some form of manipulation involved. Yes - trauma-bonded relationships are never healthy or positive because they aren’t balanced. As a result, they may be more vulnerable to manipulation in a relationship. These factors often make it more challenging for one to recognize signs of toxicity. Trauma Bond Risk FactorsĪnyone can develop a trauma bond, but certain risk factors can make an individual more likely to fall victim to this type of relationship. Recognizing that you are in a trauma bond can take months or even years, so it’s vital to understand the common signs and why this type of relationship occurs. People who experience kidnapping, human trafficking or hostage situations can also experience trauma bonding. However, it can also occur between family members, friends and colleagues. Trauma bonding frequently occurs in romantic relationships. One might be fully aware they’re with a toxic person, but they’ve been so conditioned to forgive them that they find it impossible to leave, causing them to feel hopeless or stuck. This gives the abuser more power and progresses their manipulation tactics.
As a result, they have difficulty recognizing clear signs of physical or emotional abuse. Over time, the person in a trauma-bonded relationship develops a strong need for love and validation from their abuser, as they are conditioned to believe this treatment is normal. It’s highly prevalent in narcissistic relationships where there are repeated cycles of emotional or physical trauma followed by intermittent positive reinforcement. Read on to learn more about trauma bonding, why it occurs and how you can pursue recovery.Ī trauma bond occurs when someone becomes overly loyal or attached to another individual who exhibits toxic behaviors. If you’re dealing with a trauma bond, there are steps you can take to break free and heal from your experience. While especially common in romantic relationships, trauma bonds can occur between family members, in platonic relationships, in workplace settings and others - any situation where one person exploits another to establish control. If you’re feeling stuck in an unhealthy, toxic or dangerous relationship you know you should leave, you may be experiencing a phenomenon called trauma bonding. But sometimes, it’s possible to develop an unhealthy attachment to someone who doesn’t truly have your best interests in mind.
Humans naturally attach themselves to people they see as protectors, comforters and caregivers.