Betrayal Trauma Anger: Clinical Implications for Therapeutic Treatment based on the Sexually Betrayed Partner’s Experience Related to Anger after Intimate Betrayal

Abstract

This article provides insight into the complex anger often following the discovery of broken trust and attachment in a relationship as a result of sexual betrayal. In the past, the helping profession viewed angry betrayed partners from a pathological lens. Through research and progression in the mental health field, betrayed partners are now viewed from a trauma lens as traumatized individuals, and a greater understanding exists of why partners will most likely experience complex anger after betrayal. This article aims to add to the existing literature on the topic of betrayal trauma and provide clinical considerations for assessment and treatment of those seeking therapeutic help to manage and reduce anger. 297 sexually betrayed partners participated in a Betrayal Trauma Anger Survey. Results revealed 83.5% of participants remain in the relationships with their betrayers. 39% of betrayed partners reported not being provided specific help to manage anger from their helping professional. 87% reported self-blame and 43% considered harming themselves. Results clearly indicate that betrayed partners are significantly impacted physiologically, psychologically, behaviorally, and spiritually, and they experience feelings of intense anger with 84% reporting their experienced anger is more intense than at any other time they experienced anger prior to discovering betrayal.

KEYWORDS:

• Betrayal
• trauma
• anger
• infidelity
• sex addiction
• affair

Acknowledgments

The researchers want to thank the courageous betrayal trauma survivors for their time and vulnerability in sharing their experience in the Betrayal Trauma Anger Survey.

Ethical approval

This research study was conducted for the purpose of collecting data through a survey to improve clinical therapeutic services, coaching services, and spiritual guidance for helping professionals treating people who have been traumatically impacted by intimate sexual betrayal. Prior to posting the survey and recruiting volunteer participants, the survey was approved by the Pearl International Review Board and determined to be classified as Exempt Research Status on May 19, 2023. General Informed Consent was given at the beginning of the survey. Participants were volunteers age 18 and older.

Disclosure statement

Drs. Hollenbeck and Steffens have no known conflicts to report. It is notable to mention that Dr. Steffens is the Founder of APSATS and that both Dr. Steffens and Dr. Hollenbeck hold certifications from the organization to offer professional specialized treatment to betrayed partners.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.