Director John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, New York, United States
Abstract This presentation develops the concept of TCA or a trauma bond including its overlap with complex PTSD and its position within dissociative disorders. Using case studies, the presentation will highlight assessment of TCA (developed in this research lab), and how TCA may present in forensic contexts (e.g., cult, victim-perpetrator dynamics in trafficking or IPV). Case studies also highlight how in addition to coercive persuasion, in some instances, love bombing or lover boy techniques may be another path to creating TCA in relationships. Love bombing is frequently experienced as positive by the recipient but the seeds of coercive persuasion are beneath the surface and the fantasies that form the TCA dissociative split are usually built in this phase. Finally, differential diagnosis as well how unhealthy relationships and co-dependencies are not synonymous as a trauma bond will be explored.
Methods This presentation uses assessment data and forensic cases (bolstered by extant qualitative and quantitative research) to explore how data can help detect the presence or absence of TCA. Particular attention is paid to how clinical data analysis corresponds to existing theory and quantitative data and or contradicts current knowledge posing both new avenues and challenges.
Findings With careful assessment of the precursors of TCA and TCA itself, this psychological disturbance can be identified and diagnosed across different interpersonal abuse including sex trafficking, intimate partner violence, and cults. The dissociative nature of the dependency can be clarified to further distinguish this type of coerced attachment from other types of co-dependencies that may arise without coercive persuasion. Reasons for the bond being interrupted or forming at subthreshold levels can be identified in some instances further clarifying diagnoses.
Conclusions Understanding and accurately assessing TCA is crucial for effective intervention and treatment in cases of interpersonal abuse. Being able to diagnose, differentiate, and specify conditions that lead to trauma bonding and trauma bonding itself increase validity and utility of this diagnostic construct. By recognizing the induced dissociative nature of these bonds and distinguishing them from other forms of unhealthy relationships, clinicians and forensic professionals can better support victims in both breaking free from cycles of coercion and abuse as well as help explain seemingly incomprehensible criminal or self-destructive conduct.
