A trauma bond is an emotional attachment that can form in an abusive relationship, specifically the connection the victim feels toward the perpetrator.
What Is Trauma Bonding? (Plain Language Explanation)
Trauma Bonding refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Trauma Bonding
- Symptoms: The specific ways trauma bonding shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen trauma bonding
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When trauma bonding occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Trauma Bonding
- Trauma Bonding is far more common than most people realize
- Trauma Bonding is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with trauma bonding see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about trauma bonding is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing trauma bonding, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.