Reliving the experience could look like nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and images. Additionally, the betrayed may also worry the life they once had is no longer a reality or possibility. Skinner’s studies were afraid of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, which would undoubtedly be considered one form of threat to life. The research shows that over 60% of participants in Dr. This may not mean the betrayed worries about being killed. Skinner, betrayal trauma correlates with PTSD criteria in the following ways: And like PTSD, unless treated, recurring triggers will not only sustain their trauma but can feed and exacerbate it, regardless of the relationship remains intact or not.”Īccording to Dr. I found the trauma resulting from their discovery of infidelity holds almost identical symptoms to those diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Kevin Skinner, Clinical Director at Bloom, said, “I have sat with thousands of betrayed spouses. Furthermore, 71% demonstrated a severe level of functional impairment in significant areas of their lives.ĭr. Perhaps even more shocking and seldom talked about, 70% of women with unfaithful partners met most criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Researchers have found the “emotional responses to infidelity to mirror those of other traumatic events, including shock, repression, denial, intense mood fluctuation, depression, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem.” All of which are symptoms of PTSD. The betrayed person may swing between wanting to end the relationship and wishing things were like before.ĭiscovering a partner has been unfaithful is a legitimized traumatic event. Emotions range from anger to sadness to guilt. If your partner has betrayed you through pornography use or infidelity, you may experience debilitating anxiety, high stress, fatigue, depression, despair, grief, fear, flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, and other severe symptoms.
Their trauma manifests in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When a partner discovers the betrayal, they determine they are not safe. Research suggests betrayal trauma symptoms are profoundly impactful and can have long-term effects on one’s mental health. The betrayal damages trust and safety, calling the relational bond into question. It can upend the beliefs, realities, and relationships one had before the betrayal. Betrayal trauma often leaves a wake of emotional and physical stress and catastrophic devastation.
Like other forms of trauma, betrayal trauma can occur after experiencing an event or betrayal that is considered extremely disturbing or damaging in a primary relationship. The betrayed has not only found their partner isn’t trustworthy, but they often question if they can even trust themselves. Discovering a partner’s sexually compulsive behavior can be painful and traumatic, shattering the perception of the relationship. These behaviors may include addiction to viewing pornography, masturbation, or sexual acts.Īt Bloom for Women, we specialize in helping women heal from sexual betrayal. Other less widely recognized forms of betrayal include discovering a partner’s sexually addictive behaviors.
There are the more commonly identified forms such as infidelity, secrets, lies, or abuse. Many instances can be considered relationship betrayal. What are the Different Types of Betrayal Trauma? What is betrayal trauma? Betrayal trauma is the pain, and emotional distress experienced after severe deception by a loved one.