Shared Adversity and Emotional Bonding
Shared adversity can lead to an intense feeling of bonding between people. It's like being on the same team and having each other's back during hard times. When people experience tough situations together, they often form strong bonds that last even after the challenge is over. This can be beneficial for individuals who are facing difficult circumstances, but it can also cause problems if those emotions don't go away when the challenge does.
Examples of shared adversity include natural disasters, war, poverty, illnesses, and financial difficulties. People who have survived these events often feel a deep sense of connection with one another because they went through something incredibly challenging together. They might talk about their experiences openly, offer support and advice, and rely on each other emotionally. This can be especially helpful if family members or friends were involved in the event.
It can also create relational strain if one person feels more connected than the others do.
Emotional Bonding
Emotional bonding happens when two or more people share similar feelings, thoughts, and reactions to a situation. It creates a strong attachment based on mutual understanding and empathy. In shared adversity, this bond can be particularly powerful because people depend on each other to get through the difficulty. They may become closer than ever before, creating a close-knit community of people who have gone through something truly awful together.
Relational Strain
Unfortunately, emotional bonding doesn't always lead to healthier relationships. Sometimes, it causes relational strain instead.
If someone has been through a traumatic event alone but then joins a group of people who have experienced similar things, they may feel like an outsider. This is especially true if they haven't talked much about what happened or didn't receive as much support from others. In addition, some people may overshare personal details about their experience, leading others to feel uncomfortable.
This could damage trust and intimacy within the group.
Shared adversity can create both emotional bonding and relational strain. On the one hand, it brings people together and provides comfort during difficult times. On the other hand, it can make some people feel left out or overwhelmed by the intensity of the experiences.
It depends on how individuals handle the challenges that come with sharing these experiences. Those who are open and honest about their struggles and work to build positive connections can benefit from the emotional bonding that comes with them.
How does shared adversity create both emotional bonding and relational strain?
There are several ways that shared adversity can lead to both emotional bonding and relational strain among individuals. On one hand, shared adversity can create an emotional bond between people because it allows them to connect on a deeper level and understand each other's struggles. This can create a sense of empathy and compassion for one another.