Dr. Jennifer Freyd, Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon, whose parents birthed the False Memory Syndrome Foundation in response to her accusations, has published a new book further exploring her Betrayal Trauma theory.
https://sites.google.com/site/betrayalbook/the-book
BLIND TO BETRAYAL
Betrayal is fundamental to the human condition. Betrayal is everywhere and yet because of betrayal blindness often not seen. Drawing on empirical research, clinical thought, and real stories, we will explore with the reader central questions about betrayal and betrayal blindness: What is betrayal? What is its scope? Why are we often blind to it? What are the mental mechanisms that underlie betrayal blindness? What are the effects of betrayal blindness? How should we overcome the effects of betrayal and our blindness to it? How do we become aware of it and heal from its effects? We can create a better world together by facing betrayal and learning to trust ourselves and each other.
Dedicated to JQ Johnson, 1951-2012
BLIND TO BETRAYAL
Table of Contents
Preface
Blind to Betrayal
Children Betrayed
The Wide Reach of Betrayal Blindness
Blind Adherence
Why Blindness?
Knowing and Not Knowing
Mental Gymnastics
Insights from Research
Betrayal Blindness is Toxic
The Risks of Knowing
The Healing Power of Knowing
The Healing Power of Telling
Speaking Our Truth
Now I See: Facing Betrayal Blindness
Recommended Readings
Endnotes
Robin Morgan briefly interviews Jennifer Freyd about her new book, Blind to Betrayal. (Yes, that Robin Morgan!) It's well worth the listen. How significant a role does blindness to betrayal play in continued popular support for corrupt leaders and institutions? Perhaps this theory can point to a gentler way in for activists.
http://dynamic.uoregon.edu/dynamicnews/RobinMorganInterview.mp3
Of particular interest to some activsts here may be Freyd's concept of Institutional Betrayal.
http://dynamic.uoregon.edu/~jjf/institutionalbetrayal/index.html
What is Betrayal Blindness?
Betrayal blindness is the unawareness, not-knowing, and forgetting exhibited by people towards betrayal. The term "betrayal blindness" was introduced by Freyd (1996), and expanded in Freyd (1999) in the context of Betrayal Trauma Theory. This blindness may extend to betrayals that are not traditionally considered "traumas," such as adultery, inequities in the workplace and society, etc. Victims, perpetrators, and witnesses may display betrayal blindness in order to preserve relationships, institutions, and social systems upon which they depend. (Also, see Eileen Zurbriggen's essay on Betrayal Trauma in the 2004 Election.)
What is Institutional Betrayal?
The term "Institutional Betrayal" refers to wrongdoings perpetrated by an institution upon individuals dependent on that institution, including failure to prevent or respond supportively to wrongdoings by individuals (e.g. sexual assault) committed within the context of the institution.
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Freyd's earlier work which I cannot recommend highly enough, especially to survivors of child abuse:
Betrayal Trauma: The Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse
http://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Trauma-Logic-Forgetting-Childhood/dp/0674068068/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366140043&sr=8-1&keywords=betrayal+trauma
