The way people respond to collective traumas can change their expectations for how they express themselves emotionally and form attachments with others. When confronting such events, some may feel that they cannot rely on social support systems like friends and family members who are unable to relate to their experiences. As a result, individuals may become more independent and self-reliant, while others might turn toward new relationships or groups that offer shared understanding and acceptance. These responses can have lasting effects on norms around emotional expression and attachment within societies affected by collective trauma.
When a society has been through a significant event that impacts many people, the resulting distress can shape cultural attitudes towards vulnerability and intimacy.
After the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States, there was an increased focus on patriotism and strength as dominant values. This changed traditional American ideas about masculinity and femininity, which had previously placed emphasis on independence and stoicism. Conversely, following the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began to recognize the importance of interdependence, leading to increased recognition of mental health struggles and empathy for those who experience them. In both cases, these changes to norms were driven by the shared trauma experienced by millions of people.
Collective trauma can also affect how individuals interact with each other in personal relationships. After experiencing a collective crisis, people may feel more comfortable sharing emotions and seeking comfort from others due to the broader context of the trauma. This can lead to greater openness and honesty in close relationships, even if it is not always reciprocated. On the other hand, some may develop a sense of mistrust in others because they fear betrayal or further harm.
These reactions can influence expectations for intimate bonds and interactions between partners.
In addition to shifting attitudes about emotional expression and attachment, collective traumas can change behavioral patterns. People might turn to substances or behaviors like gambling to cope with their experiences, creating new social norms around addiction and risk-taking. This can have ripple effects beyond individual lives, impacting communities and families as well. It is important for societies to address these issues proactively by providing support and resources for those affected by collective trauma.
Collective trauma can reshape cultural narratives surrounding emotions and attachments.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, residents reported feeling "anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, helplessness, and grief," while also finding "a sense of belonging" through volunteer work and community efforts. These conflicting responses highlighted the complexity of human emotions and the importance of supporting diverse expressions of them. In this way, collective trauma can help us understand ourselves and our society better, leading to deeper understanding of what it means to be human.
How does collective trauma reshape norms around emotional expression and attachment?
Collective traumas can have a significant impact on cultural norms regarding emotional expression and attachment by altering individuals' perception of their experiences, causing them to internalize new values, and reinforcing existing ones. The most common manifestation of this phenomenon is seen in disaster-affected communities where people become more prone to expressing emotions such as fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger, leading to increased support from peers and family members.