What is shared trauma?
Shared trauma refers to traumatic events that occur between individuals who are socially connected or belong to the same group. It can range from disasters such as natural calamities, accidents, or wars to personal tragedies like domestic violence, rape, or abuse. When people experience similar traumas together, they often form a strong bond based on their experiences, which leads them to feel close and supportive of each other. This is called "shared trauma."
This closeness may also lead them to question their moral obligations towards one another and prioritize loyalty within their own social groups over ethical principles.
How does shared trauma affect perceptions of ethical responsibility?
When two or more individuals experience a traumatic event together, it creates an intense emotional connection that makes them feel like family members. As a result, these individuals tend to think more about their relationship than about broader ethical concerns. They may even view morality in terms of what is best for their group rather than what is right in general.
If two soldiers witness a war crime committed by their fellow soldier, they may be reluctant to report him because they see him as part of their team, regardless of his actions. Similarly, if two friends witness a sexual assault together, they may hesitate to report it due to fear of betraying their friend's trust. In both cases, the need to protect one another may override the duty to uphold justice.
How does shared trauma affect relational loyalty?
Shared trauma can create a sense of kinship between individuals who have experienced it together. They may feel a deep emotional connection and become attached to one another as if they were related. This attachment can drive them to put their relationships with one another before any outside moral considerations.
If two soldiers survive combat together, they may feel indebted to one another and prioritize each other's well-being over their duties to their unit or country. Likewise, if two people survive domestic violence together, they may form a close bond and focus on keeping it secret from outsiders. This loyalty may lead them to ignore warning signs of danger and continue abusive relationships instead of seeking help.
How do shared experiences of trauma or combat affect perceptions of ethical responsibility and relational loyalty?
Even though studies show that people who have experienced traumatic events together may develop a stronger sense of trust and mutual support (e. g. , Kohn et al. , 2018), they are also more likely to experience moral dilemmas regarding ethical obligations. This is especially true when it comes to relational loyalty because, in times of crisis, individuals tend to prioritize survival over morality (Bushman & Anderson, 2002).