Betrayal trauma theory: a critical appraisal

Freyd's (1996) betrayal trauma theory holds that children sexually abused by their caretakers are prone to develop amnesia for their abuse because awareness of abuse would imperil the survival of victims by disrupting their attachment to caretakers on whom they depend for food, shelter, and clothing. The purpose of this article is to provide an empirical and conceptual critique of betrayal trauma theory. Data from studies adduced as supporting the theory have usually been open to alternative interpretations, whereas other studies have failed to provide any support for the theory. Moreover, there is no convincing evidence that children are incapable of remembering their abuse--develop genuine amnesia for it--shortly after their molestation. Also, even if children abused by caretakers fear disruption of their attachment to the offender, there is no reason to assume that they must develop amnesia for their abuse; they can maintain the relationship merely by failing to disclose their abuse. Finally, a more parsimonious explanation for why some adults may fail to think about their abuse until many years later is provided.