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Social: After disaffiliation, individuals may feel a rupture in their social network and feel that they’ve let someone down.Depending on the nature of the institution, some individuals may have information gaps in popular culture, current events, or trends. Culture: Individuals may feel disconnected from society, having difficulty belonging to a particular group.This can result in depression, anxiety, anger, and a sense of hopelessness. Emotions: Severing ties with faith might cause an individual to go through grief in a similar manner to losing a loved one.Similarly, they may have negative self-image and feel little self-worth. Cognition: Individuals may feel confused, have poor critical thinking ability, or have difficulty making decisions on their own.Those with Religious Trauma Syndrome might exhibit abnormalities in the following: However, the symptoms of this syndrome can often mimic the symptoms of other mental disorders. Symptoms of trauma may present themselves differently depending on the severity, length, and frequency of the abuse. The neverending cycle of confessing and apologizing for sin, only to know that it may happen again, can be psychologically draining. However, the power structures make it seem like nothing can be done about it. In teachings of fundamentalist authoritarian religions, individuals are often blamed as the one solely responsible for their sins. There is also a paradoxical element of Religious Trauma Syndrome that can cause the abuse to be cyclical. Physical punishment being used as discipline or sexual harassment within a church can lead to development of Religious Trauma Syndrome.
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In controlling communities, knowledge is revealed rather than discovered, which can cause individuals to believe unreliable sources as factual information.įinally, physical and sexual abuse can play a large role in causing trauma upon exiting a religious affiliation.
RELIGIOUS TRAUMA SYNDROME FREE
When dysfunctional beliefs are taught, especially at a young age, it may force a child to produce linear thoughts that harm their ability of feeling appropriate emotions or engaging in acts of free will.Īuthoritarian institutions also preach hierarchies of control that can skew a person’s perception of knowledge. When religion becomes a mainstay of a child’s life, cognitive, social, and emotional stages can become diluted or skipped.Īlso, dogmatic religious institutions might condemn the idea of independent thought, resulting in damage to normal thinking and emotional capability. If these mindsets are reinforced at home or school, the symptoms can be worsened.Īuthoritarian religious practices might suppress normal child development if the teachings begin at such a young age. Causes of Religious Trauma SyndromeĪuthoritarian institutions that emphasize patriarchal authority in family structure combined with strict theology are usually the causes of Religious Trauma Syndrome.
RELIGIOUS TRAUMA SYNDROME SERIES
The main difference between PTSD and C-PTSD is that the latter involves repeated traumas over a series of months or years, rather than a single event. It presents itself in similar ways to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). The individual may be struggling to come to terms with the loss of their connection to faith, or they may be trying to respond to a potentially controlling community and lifestyle. Religious Trauma Syndrome is the condition experienced by those who are having difficulty leaving an authoritarian religion and coping with the damage of indoctrination. *Content warning: this article mentions information related to sexual violence. If you or someone you love seems to be struggling after severing their connection with faith, here is everything you need to know. Religious Trauma Syndrome is a fairly new term, though the syndrome has likely been around for as long as religious institutions have. However, leaving a dogmatic religious institution can cause just as much stress, trauma, and psychological damage. These can be extremely stressful and inundating for those who practice. With that said, authoritarian religious institutions can be much more intense than most indoctrinations. Practicing religion is a great way for people to discover their faith, feeling a sense of peace and belonging. Religious and spiritual beliefs are important parts of life for many people. Religious Trauma Syndrome: Everything You Need to Know