There are many identified factors that correlate with whether an individual experiences adverse symptoms following a traumatic event. Research indicates that betrayal, where the victim is betrayed by another individual, may be one of these factors. Betrayal Trauma Theory (BTT) posits that betrayal during trauma increases the likelihood of developing adverse psychological symptoms. BTT objectively dichotomizes traumas as high betrayal or low betrayal traumas based on details of the event. Though literature finds those who experience high betrayals experience more severe symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and dissociation than those who experience low betrayals, this objective classification is limited as it is based solely on the circumstances of the trauma and does not give the victim the option of indicating whether they felt betrayed. We believe perceptions of betrayal, whether the event meets the objective criteria of betrayal put forth by BTT or not, is an important predictor of trauma-related outcomes. This study (N = 244) found that perceived betrayal predicts symptoms of PTSD and depression independently, as well as when controlling for objective betrayal, dependence on the perpetrator, event centrality, anxiety, and dissociation. These findings indicate perceived betrayal is a unique construct that should be included in the operationalization of betrayal in future research. Objective betrayal is limited in that it is a permanent classification based on the circumstances of the traumatic event. Perceived betrayal, however, can be addressed and reduced by skilled clinicians and betrayal-specific treatments, thus reducing the effect betrayal has on trauma-related outcomes.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1609082 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Bedford, Lee |
| Contributors | Boals, Adriel, 1973-, Murrell, Amy, Ryals, Anthony |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | v, 61 pages, Text |
| Rights | Public, Bedford, Lee, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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