Mass trauma is a significant experience that can affect individuals' psyches for years after it has occurred. It could be an event like war, natural disaster, terrorist attack, or accident. When people witness or go through these events, they are likely to have a negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Mass trauma can lead to increased anxiety levels, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among other things. Aside from these physical effects, it also influences individuals' internalized models of love, fidelity, and partner support, making them feel unsafe, betrayed, or distrustful. In this article, I will discuss how exposure to mass trauma alters one's understanding of love, fidelity, and partner support.
Exposure to mass trauma creates a sense of fear about the future. Individuals may feel unsafe, as if another traumatic event might occur again. This feeling makes them avoid risks and take life more seriously. They may think twice before taking certain decisions because they are afraid of the consequences. It leads them to become more cautious and defensive in their actions. When they enter into relationships, they may become suspicious and doubt their partners' intentions. They may always expect the worst outcomes. These feelings make them find faults with their partners even when there are none, leading to mistrust.
When exposed to mass trauma, individuals lose trust in themselves and others. They tend to blame themselves, feeling guilty and responsible for the traumatic incident. They may start asking why it happened to them and what they did wrong that caused it. They may feel ashamed, believing they could not protect those who were close to them, like family members or friends. They see themselves as failures since they failed to prevent the tragedy from happening. The guilt makes them question everything, including their self-worth and value. It prevents them from feeling secure in any relationship since they believe they cannot be relied on by anyone.
Mass trauma also affects an individual's ability to form strong bonds with other people. People who have experienced mass trauma may develop attachment disorders due to fear of betrayal or abandonment.
They may withdraw from loved ones or keep secrets from them to protect them from harm. They may also have difficulty expressing emotions, making it hard to build intimacy. Some may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse or addictions as a way of escaping reality. They might find it challenging to commit to one person because they think every relationship will lead to disappointment. This behavior leads to a lack of support in relationships, causing further distrust.
Exposure to mass trauma causes individuals to avoid deep connections and interactions. They become distant and cold when it comes to love and sex. They do not allow their partners to get too close, emotionally or physically. They might even distance themselves from their children, partner, and family out of fear of being hurt again. They may feel numb or detached, preventing them from forming strong attachments. Mass trauma can make individuals less sensitive to others' needs and feelings, leading to a lack of empathy and compassion. They tend to focus on survival rather than human connection.
Exposure to mass trauma alters internalized models of love, fidelity, and partner support. Individuals lose trust in themselves and others, become more cautious, and doubt the loyalty of others. It makes them doubt their ability to connect with other people and form healthy bonds. These effects negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing and affect their relationships and life in general. Hence, individuals who have experienced mass trauma need help and support to overcome these challenges.
How does exposure to mass trauma alter internalized models of love, fidelity, and partner support?
Research has shown that individuals who have experienced mass trauma may develop a heightened awareness of their interpersonal relationships and experience changes in how they view themselves, others, and their environment. Specifically, exposure to mass trauma can lead to alterations in internalized models of love, fidelity, and partner support, as these concepts become redefined in light of the traumatic event.