A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Association between Betrayal Trauma and Dissociative Features

Abstract

Betrayal trauma theory proposes that betrayal and non-betrayal traumas are different in terms of their nature and impacts. The theory predicts that dissociation is more strongly related to betrayal than to non-betrayal trauma, however there is a lack of cross-cultural evaluation of the theory. One competing theory is the socio-cognitive model, which proposes that dissociative amnesia (DA) and identity dissociation (ID) are the results of social influence and are not trauma-related conditions. This study aimed to test the hypotheses based on betrayal trauma theory and investigated the relationship between trauma, dissociation and other mental health problems in two culturally different convenience samples of people seeking web-based educational interventions for dissociation ( N = 83 English speakers and N = 82 Chinese speakers). Compared with childhood non-betrayal trauma, childhood betrayal trauma had a statistically stronger relationship with dissociation and borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in both samples. DA and ID symptoms were cross-culturally associated with childhood betrayal trauma after controlling for other variables (including sample membership, age, depression levels, medication treatment and non-betrayal trauma). Participants with DA/ID symptoms reported significantly more trauma-related symptoms in both samples. The findings supported the cross-cultural application of the betrayal trauma theory for dissociative features and BPD symptoms. Implications for research and practice (e.g., child protection, assessment for survivors of childhood betrayal trauma) are highlighted.

Interpersonal stress mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms: Findings from two culturally different samples

“…Especially in the context of childhood betrayal trauma (i.e. trauma perpetrated by someone with whom the victim is close to; for example, physical or sexual abuse by a trusted person) (Freyd, 2008;Freyd et al, 2007), the survivors may develop more dissociative and borderline personality symptoms that could affect their interpersonal relationships (Fung et al, 2022a;Zamir et al, 2018). Moreover, one's exposure to betrayal trauma may particularly imply that there is an ongoing stressful interpersonal environment because the persons he or she relied on were the perpetrators.…”

Childhood experiences and dissociation among high school students in China: Theoretical reexamination and clinical implications

“…Although the reliability and validity of dissociation have been evaluated and established for decades (Mychailyszyn et al, 2021; Ross et al, 2002; Van IJzendoorn & Schuengel, 1996), and although dissociation has long been conceptualized as a response to trauma (Dalenberg et al, 2012; Fung et al, 2023; Putnam, 1985; Van der Hart et al, 2006), which highlights the importance of child protection, dissociation remains a controversial topic in terms of its prevalence, cross-cultural validity, and etiological factors. To resolve theoretical uncertainties and inform clinical assessments and interventions, some major knowledge gaps require further investigation and discussion.…”

Analysis of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder

“…Symptoms of dissociative amnesia and identity dissociation have been associated with cross-cultural childhood betrayal trauma. 8 Known since 1800s, DID is a psychiatric disorder that is highly recognisable under the category of dissociative disorders and accompanied by memory and identity disorders. 9 Research indicates that dissociative disorders are observed in 12-13.8% of the psychiatric patient population.…”

“…Symptoms of dissociative amnesia and identity dissociation have been associated with cross-cultural childhood betrayal trauma. 8 …”