Trauma is a psychological state that can result from a variety of life events, such as accidents, violence, abuse, neglect, natural disasters, and warfare. It involves feelings of fear, helplessness, loss, guilt, shame, anger, and betrayal. Traumatic experiences often cause significant changes to an individual's perceptions, beliefs, values, and behaviors, including their interpersonal priorities. This means that how someone defines friendships, enemies, and emotional needs may shift after experiencing trauma.
After experiencing trauma, individuals may find it difficult to trust others and become more reserved. They may avoid forming close relationships because they are afraid of being hurt again. As a result, people who have experienced trauma may appear less friendly than before, making them seem like foes. Their need for intimacy may also decrease, which could affect their ability to form meaningful connections.
This does not mean that these individuals do not want or need friends or partners. Instead, they may be learning to build healthier relationships that are based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
Some individuals may develop closer bonds with those they were once indifferent to or even avoided. These newfound connections could provide comfort, support, and stability during challenging times. Survivors may rely on these individuals in ways that were previously unthinkable, potentially leading to strong emotional attachments. As a result, people may see these connections as necessary for survival rather than just social or emotional fulfillment.
Trauma can change how people view themselves and others, shifting their definitions of friend, foe, and emotional necessity. While some people may withdraw from society, others may cling to newfound connections out of fear or desperation. Both responses require time and patience to process, but with the right support, individuals can learn to rebuild their interpersonal priorities in healthy ways.
How does trauma shift interpersonal priorities, redefining friend, foe, and emotional necessity?
Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on an individual's perception of friends, enemies, and emotional needs. Individuals who experience trauma may become hypervigilant and suspicious, making it difficult for them to trust others. This can lead to a narrowed focus on safety and security, leading to heightened anxiety and fear responses even when there is no immediate threat.