Rebuilding trust after an abusive relationship can be an uphill battle, with many survivors finding it difficult to enter or sustain new partnerships.
A new study sheds light on how lingering sensitivity to betrayal may shape survivors’ ability to form intimate relationships, offering insights into both the challenges they face and potential avenues for support.
A study by Alice Melin and Paul M. Salkovskis, published in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice (2025), examined how betrayal sensitivity, shame, and self-criticism affect survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) when navigating new relationships.
The researchers found that survivors of IPV consistently scored higher on betrayal sensitivity compared to women without such experiences.
Those who were dissatisfied in their current relationships or single showed the greatest difficulties, reporting stronger feelings of mistrust and a sense of being permanently changed by past betrayal.
Survivors in fulfilling relationships showed somewhat lower levels of betrayal sensitivity, particularly regarding trust and perceptions of life change, though differences remained.
Intimate partner violence is a global issue, with around 30 percent of women worldwide reporting such experiences, according to the World Health Organization.
Beyond the immediate harm, IPV has lasting psychological effects.
Survivors often struggle with trust, anticipating further betrayal or violence in new relationships. These difficulties can lead many to remain single as a form of self-protection, while those who do pursue new relationships may find themselves navigating heightened vigilance and fears of revictimization.
To investigate these dynamics, Melin and Salkovskis recruited 140 women through online survivor networks, social media, and domestic violence organizations.
Participants were grouped into four categories: survivors currently single, survivors dissatisfied in a relationship, survivors satisfied in a relationship, and a non-clinical comparison group with no history of IPV.
They completed a series of validated questionnaires assessing betrayal sensitivity, relationship satisfaction, self-criticism, and shame.
Results revealed striking contrasts between the groups. All IPV survivors reported greater preoccupation with past betrayals than women without such experiences.
Those dissatisfied in relationships and those who were single reported especially high levels of mistrust and feelings that betrayal had permanently altered their lives.
Survivors in fulfilling relationships fared somewhat better, scoring lower on certain measures, but still reported higher betrayal sensitivity than women with no history of abuse.
The study also explored the roles of self-criticism and shame.
Survivors who were dissatisfied in relationships were particularly prone to harsh self-judgment and struggled to reassure themselves, suggesting that critical inner voices may amplify difficulties in building intimacy.
Survivors who were single showed similar patterns, though to a lesser extent. Across all survivor groups, external shame—concerns about how others viewed them—was higher than in the non-clinical group.
The findings highlight a complex picture of recovery. On one hand, betrayal sensitivity appears to be a persistent consequence of IPV, shaping how survivors view themselves and their partners.
On the other, being in a supportive relationship may help reduce some of these effects, potentially restoring a degree of trust and countering feelings of irreversible damage.
Still, it remains unclear whether positive relationships lower betrayal sensitivity, or whether those with lower sensitivity are more likely to form satisfying partnerships in the first place.
For the general public, the study underscores why survivors may find it difficult to “move on” after leaving an abusive relationship.
The psychological impact of betrayal often lingers long after the relationship has ended, influencing how survivors interpret others’ actions and whether they feel safe enough to trust again.
These findings have practical implications for mental health support, suggesting that therapy aimed at rebuilding trust and addressing beliefs about permanent change could be particularly valuable.
The authors caution that the sample was relatively small and not fully representative, as most participants were white and highly educated, and the study relied on self-report measures.
Future research could explore more diverse populations and test targeted interventions, such as therapies focusing on betrayal-related beliefs. Longitudinal studies would also help clarify whether trust improves over time or as a result of supportive relationships.
Ultimately, the study emphasizes that the aftermath of partner violence is not just about recovering from physical harm but also about navigating the long-lasting psychological imprint of betrayal.
For survivors, regaining trust in others—and in themselves—may be one of the most difficult yet important steps in rebuilding their lives.
Citation
Melin, A., & Salkovskis, P. M. Sensitivity to betrayal and new intimate relationship building in survivors of intimate partner violence. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.70004
