The abusive partner can fluctuate between extreme affection and extreme abuse.
The episodes of affection serve as positive reinforcement to stay in the relationship.
Trauma bonding tends to form subtly, often without the abused partner ever realizing it.
PhotoAlto/Eric Audras/ Getty Images
PhotoAlto/Eric Audras/ Getty Images
What Is a Trauma Bond?
A trauma bond often affects people who have been abused in the past, including childhood or previous relationships.
Over time, themanipulationsbecome more intentional and abusive.
The victim, in turn, feels gratitude for positive interactions and self-blame for the negative ones.
The same tactics are used for the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
What Is Stockholm Syndrome?
The name comes from a 1973 hostage situation in Sweden where gunmen held four people hostage for six days.
But some common signs can indicate this bang out of unhealthy attachment.
A codependent partner has feelings of low self-esteem and will enable their partner’s self-destructive behavior.
This could include addiction, irresponsibility, or underachievement.
Traumatic bonds are common in people diagnosed with a mental health condition callednarcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV)is common in trauma bonding.
In time, the response can turn into physical, sexual, or psychological violence.
Attempts and threats to leave can sometimes bring out more and possibly worse acts of violence by abusers.
How to Recover From Trauma Bonding
Recovering from the psychological effects of trauma bonding can take time.
The psychological effects of trauma bonding often have long-term mental and physical health effects.
It can even lead to extremedepressionand thoughts ofsuicide.
Ending a toxic or violent relationship can be challenging, and sometimes dangerous.
If you are trying to leave an unsafe relationship, seek professionalmental health support.
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