Betrayal in romantic relationships, particularly through infidelity, can be emotionally and psychologically catastrophic. Esther Perel (2017) vividly describes the pain as a deep violation, stating, “Infidelity is betrayal on so many levels: deceit, abandonment, rejection, humiliation.” The shock and emotional turmoil following an affair often leads to feelings of betrayal, turning the betrayed partner’s world upside down, making it nearly impossible to make sense of the relationship.
Perel and other experts note that the emotional fallout from betrayal mirrors trauma, with symptoms resembling those of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These symptoms include obsessive thoughts, hypervigilance, panic, and emotional numbness. Steffens and Rennie (2006) were among the first to provide empirical data on the trauma of betrayal. Their study revealed that over two-thirds of participants who were betrayed by partners with problematic sexual behaviors met the criteria for PTSD, with trauma severity linked to the length
of the relationship and the frequency of betrayals.
Research by Laaser et al. (2017) found that 96% of relationally betrayed women viewed their experience as highly traumatic, with many calling it the most traumatic event of their lives. Betrayal by a romantic partner not only triggers deep emotional pain but also profound physical and psychological reactions. Lonergan et al. (2021) report that betrayal survivors experience both emotional distress and physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and
cardiovascular issues.
Betrayal trauma is a deeply painful and lasting experience, requiring specialized attention and support to navigate its emotional and physical toll.
Comments