trauma bond

USAGE SUMMARY

'trauma bond' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an emotional bond between two people that is based on the experience of a traumatic event. For example, "After surviving the car crash together, the two bonded through a trauma bond, forming a close relationship they still maintain today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But Cooper Union graduates form a sort of "trauma bond" with the institution, said Malini Ramanarayanan, a candidate for a chemical engineering degree who gave the student address at the ceremony.

The New York Times

Eight hours after the Buddha trauma, Bond was in the winner's circle, accepting congratulations after one of his other horses, Legislator, won the American Turf Trophy on Oaks Day.

The New York Times - Sports

A trauma bond is created".

TechCrunch

For police who don't understand that captivity isn't an issue of being physically tied and bound, it can be frustrating to explain the depths of a "trauma bond" in an existence predicated on terror.

Huffington Post

The reality is that she was not able to due what is known as the Stockholm Syndrome, in which people form what is called a "trauma bond" with their oppressors.

Huffington Post

The trauma bond is common to victims of abuse, be they incested children or battered wives, as well as among prisoners of war, cult members, and victims of torture to name a few.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's trauma bonding".

The New York Times

She will seize on the smallest kindness to bolster her hopes, because she now feels "trauma bonds" to the narcissist.

The Guardian - Opinion

Read on as Billy talks Sioux Falls, Infinite Jest, and trauma bonding.

Huffington Post

Dr. Frank Ochberg, a trauma specialist and the expert witness for the prosecution, called this "trauma bonding," caused by months of violent control.

Vice

Redsky says "trauma bonding" is less like fear and more like a strong sense of loyalty: "Traffickers are becoming fathers and husbands to their victims," explains Redsky.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trauma bond" when referring to the specific psychological phenomenon of attachment formed in abusive relationships, rather than general bonds formed after shared difficult experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "trauma bond" loosely to describe any strong connection formed after a difficult event. It specifically applies to bonds created within abusive or exploitative dynamics, not simply shared hardships.

Linguistic Context

Trauma bond" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of emotional connection formed under abusive or traumatic circumstances. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing these complex relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trauma bond" refers to a specific type of emotional attachment that develops in abusive or exploitative relationships. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions primarily as a noun phrase to label this complex psychological dynamic. While generally neutral to professional, its purpose is to explain and provide understanding. The frequency of its usage is uncommon, appearing most often in news and media sources. When using "trauma bond", it is important to remember to provide context and avoid overgeneralization, focusing on the power imbalance inherent in these relationships. Closely related terms include "traumatic bonding" and "emotional dependency in abuse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traumatic bonding

Reorders the words while maintaining the core meaning, emphasizing the bonding process itself.

emotional dependency in abuse

Focuses on the dependent relationship that forms within an abusive context.

Stockholm syndrome

Points to a specific type of trauma bond where hostages develop positive feelings toward their captors.

coercive control bonding

Highlights the element of control that is often present within a "trauma bond".

dysfunctional attachment

Describes the unhealthy attachment style often seen in "trauma bond" relationships.

unhealthy emotional connection

Broadly refers to a problematic emotional link, which may stem from trauma.

bond of shared suffering

Emphasizes the shared experience of suffering as the basis of the connection.

attachment to abuser

Directly names the attachment that victims can form to their abusers.

emotional tie under duress

Highlights the stressful and difficult circumstances under which the emotional bond forms.

relationship based on trauma

Describes simply the nature of the relationship as founded on traumatic events.

FAQs

What exactly does "trauma bond" mean?

A "trauma bond" is an emotional attachment between an abuser and their victim, where the victim develops strong emotional ties to the abuser due to cycles of abuse, devaluation, and positive reinforcement.

How does a "trauma bond" develop?

A "trauma bond" often develops through intermittent reinforcement, where periods of abuse are mixed with moments of kindness or affection, creating a powerful emotional connection that is difficult to break.

What are some alternative phrases for "trauma bond"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "traumatic bonding", "emotional dependency in abuse", or "dysfunctional attachment" to describe a similar concept.

Is "Stockholm Syndrome" the same as a "trauma bond"?

"Stockholm Syndrome" is a specific type of "trauma bond" where hostages develop positive feelings toward their captors. While all cases of Stockholm Syndrome involve a "trauma bond", not all "trauma bonds" are Stockholm Syndrome.