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Below is a post by the Christian author, Cynthia Bailey Rug. While this post is specifically directed toward the victims of narcissism, it is highly relevant to the victims of childhood abuse and/or domestic violence who are particularly vulnerable to trauma bonding.
Cynthia Bailey Rug blogs at https://cynthiabaileyrug.wordpress.com . The full text of this post dated 10/14/23 can be found there.
“Trauma bonding, also known as Stockholm Syndrome, is a common & strange phenomenon among victims of ongoing abuse [1][2]. It happens when abusers aren’t abusive all of the time, & show their victims random kindnesses. Those kindnesses seem to prove to victims that their abuser isn’t all bad, & they really do care for their victim. That thinking bonds the victim to their abuser & makes them more willing to tolerate abuse.
Narcissists are exceptionally good at trauma bonding their victims to them. It happens very subtly & in gradually increasing stages of toxicity. Trauma bonding is much like the story of putting a frog in a pot of water. If the water is boiling when he goes in, he recognizes the danger & hops out immediately. But, if it’s warm & gradually the temperature increases to boiling, he won’t notice he’s in danger until it’s too late…
The first stage of trauma is love bombing. This is when the narcissist [or other abuser] showers you with love, praise & adoration. You can do no wrong. You are absolutely perfect!…Gifts can be a part of love bombing too…” Continue reading
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