Cultural Betrayal Trauma

Cultural betrayal trauma is a form of trauma that involves feeling betrayed or abused by members of one’s own cultural in-group, for example by other people of the same race or ethnicity. This webpage provides an introduction to cultural betrayal trauma theory, with a short video and links to additional resources.

In cultural betrayal trauma theory, I propose that societal trauma (e.g., discrimination) creates the context for interpersonal trauma within marginalized communities to be uniquely harmful.

SOURCE: JenniferMGomez.org • AUTHOR: Dr. Jennifer M Gomez • LAST UPDATED: December 1, 2021