Unveiling Betrayal Trauma Theory: navigating the depths of emotional betrayal
Friday, November 24, 2023.
Betrayal Trauma Theory (BTT), pioneered by psychologist Jennifer Freyd, delves into the profound impact of intimate betrayal on an individual's mental and emotional well-being.
This groundbreaking theory has opened new avenues for understanding the intricate dynamics of trauma, especially when it stems from betrayal within close relationships.
In this blog post, I’ll try to take a look at the origins, key principles, and real-world implications of Betrayal Trauma Theory.
Jennifer Freyd: The thought leader behind Betrayal Trauma Theory
To comprehend the essence of Betrayal Trauma Theory, it's essential to recognize the thinker behind the theory—Jennifer Freyd. Check out her rich body of work here.
As a distinguished psychologist and professor, Freyd has dedicated her career to unraveling the complexities of trauma, with a particular focus on the often-neglected aspect of betrayal.
Jennifer Freyd, PhD, is also the Founder and President of the Center for Institutional Courage, Inc.
Freyd is also a keynote speaker, theoretician, author, and professor emerit, (not a typo, as Dr. Freyd rejects the notion of gendered titles), of psychology. She has over 30 years of experience researching humans and their relationships with institutions.
Dr. Freyd is the thought leader who introduced the concepts of “Institutional Courage,” “DARVO,” and “Betrayal Trauma.”
Her journey toward the formulation of Betrayal Trauma Theory began with a deep-seated curiosity about the long-lasting impact of betrayal on a human psyche. This is subject of which I have a surfeit of personal experience.
The evolution of Betrayal Trauma Theory
Freyd's exploration of betrayal trauma emerged from her earlier work on interpersonal violence and abuse. She noticed a recurring theme among survivors – the profound sense of betrayal by those they trusted the most.
This observation prompted Freyd to delve deeper into the specific dynamics of betrayal and its potential to inflict lasting psychological wounds. The culmination of her research and observations gave birth to Betrayal Trauma Theory.
Understanding Betrayal Trauma Theory … definition and core principles
Betrayal Trauma Theory posits that the emotional and psychological impact of trauma is intensified when it involves a betrayal of trust, especially within close relationships.
The theory emphasizes the role of betrayal by individuals in positions of power, authority, or intimacy. Central to BTT are the core principles that outline the unique dynamics of betrayal trauma:
Betrayal by Trusted Humans: BTT asserts that trauma is most potent when inflicted by individuals who are expected to provide support, protection, or care.
Memory Suppression and Fragmentation: Freyd introduces the concept of betrayal trauma amnesia, wherein the mind may suppress or fragment memories of betrayal to cope with the overwhelming emotional distress.
Attachment and Betrayal Bonds: The theory highlights the impact of betrayal on attachment bonds, emphasizing how betrayal by attachment figures can disrupt one's sense of safety and security.
Betrayal Blindness: BTT introduces the concept of betrayal blindness, explaining how humans may unconsciously overlook or deny betrayal from trusted others as a protective mechanism.
Typology of Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal Trauma Theory categorizes betrayal into different types, each with its unique set of consequences:
Interpersonal Betrayal: This involves betrayal within close relationships, such as intimate partners, family members, or close friends.
Institutional Betrayal: BTT extends its scope to betrayal by larger systems or institutions, recognizing the impact of systemic betrayal on an individual's well-being.
Real-world implications of Betrayal Trauma Theory
The Biggie… Inter-Personal Relationships:: Betrayal Trauma Theory sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals trying to rebuild trust and intimacy after experiencing betrayal trauma within their close relationships.
Breaking the Cycle of Betrayal: BTT offers insights into breaking the cycle of betrayal in families or generational patterns by fostering open communication and addressing unresolved trauma.
Therapeutic approaches…
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Professionals in the mental health field are increasingly integrating Betrayal Trauma Theory into trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, acknowledging the unique aspects of the specific nature of betrayal trauma.
Addressing Betrayal Amnesia: Therapists use BTT to guide humans in recovering suppressed or fragmented memories of betrayal, promoting a more comprehensive healing process.
Legal and social implications for marriage and family therapy
Recognizing Institutional Betrayal: This is definitely the realm of narrative therapy. BTT has influenced discussions around institutional betrayal, contributing to a greater understanding of the psychological toll when institutions fail to protect or support individuals.
Informing Legal Responses: The theory's insights into the impact of betrayal trauma on memory and perception have implications for legal responses to cases involving betrayal, particularly in the context of consent and interpersonal violence.
Challenges and criticisms
Here’s where I struggle a bit with Freyd's (1996) Betrayal Trauma Theory.
She holds that children sexually abused by their caretakers are prone to develop amnesia for their abuse because awareness of abuse would imperil the survival of victims by disrupting their attachment to caretakers on whom they depend for food, shelter, and clothing.
McNally’s research provide an empirical and conceptual critique of of some of the underlying premises of Betrayal Trauma Theory, and he has a few good points.
Data from studies adduced as supporting Betrayal Trauma Theory have usually been open to alternative interpretations, whereas other studies have failed to provide any apparent support for the theory.
Moreover, there is no convincing evidence that children are incapable of remembering their abuse--or that they develop genuine amnesia for it shortly after their molestation.
I remember all the whippings, beatings, and torture inflicted by the family that bought me. I remember being made to kneel on salt, being slapped, and cuffed on a regular basis.
I felt no urge to either forget, or protect them, but my sexual abuse was by a stranger, which is more likely to be remembered according to her model.
Also, even if kids are abused by caretakers, as I was, and fear disruption of their attachment to the offender, there is no reason to assume that they must develop amnesia for their abuse. What if they can maintain the relationship merely by failing to disclose their abuse?
While Betrayal Trauma Theory has significantly suggested expanding our understanding of trauma, it may still lack consensus amongst other trauma thought leaders. But that’s hardly necessary, as our knowledge base continues to grow, there’s plenty of respectful room for differing models.
Some, like McNally, argue that Betrayal Trauma Theory may oversimplify the complexity of human relationships or that the concept of betrayal blindness may be prone to endless subjective interpretation.
Once more the friction between the personal and political may be playing out in our approach to research findings.
Acknowledging these critiques is essential for a well-rounded and balanced evaluation of BTT.
Future directions and research
As Betrayal Trauma Theory continues to evolve, researchers and practitioners are exploring new avenues for application and refinement.
Ongoing studies aim to deepen our understanding of the neurological and physiological aspects of betrayal trauma, providing a more comprehensive framework for therapeutic interventions.
Final thoughts…
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, raised by strangers, I have a deeply personal interest in seeing how Betrayal Trauma Theory plays out in the marketplace of ideas.
BTT might eventually become a pivotal framework for comprehending the intricate interplay between betrayal and trauma, specifically in both family and social settings.
Jennifer Freyd's pioneering work has not only already opened new horizons in trauma studies, but has also spurred critical conversations about the societal and institutional implications of betrayal.
We need to have more of these conversations, more often.
As we navigate the depths of emotional betrayal through the lens of BTT, it becomes evident that acknowledging and addressing betrayal trauma in intimate settings is essential for fostering healing, resilience, and the cultivation of healthy relationships.
I’ll be quite interested to see how these ideas unfold.
Be well, stay kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
McNally RJ. Betrayal trauma theory: a critical appraisal. Memory. 2007 Apr;15(3):280-94; discussion 295-311. doi: 10.1080/09658210701256506. PMID: 17454665.
