Do you think you might be in a trauma bond with someone?

Our “trauma bond quiz” is designed to help you identify patterns of behavior that are indicative of having a trauma bond with someone and connect you with available resources to help leave the relationship.

A trauma bond can be defined as a psychological response that happens in toxic and/or abusive relationships where the victim forms an emotional attachment to someone causing them harm.

Trauma bonds can happen in any type of relationship: romantic relationships, friendships, with family members, in the workplace, and other high-involvement relationships such as within religious organizations.

A trauma bond is marked by cycles of negative behaviors with occasional moments of positive reinforcement. This pattern of intermittent reinforcement, similar to the cycle of abuse, can make it difficult to identify and label someone as causing you harm.

Leaving a toxic, unhealthy, or abusive relationship can be incredibly challenging and, in some cases, dangerous. If you believe you are in a trauma bond with someone, we recommend creating a safety plan to ensure your physical, mental, financial, and digital safety as you exit the relationship.

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Please utilize the resources at the end of the quiz including the National Domestic Violence Hotline and VictimConnect where trained advocates can help you understand your options and safety plan.

Our “trauma bond quiz” was originally published in October 2021 and has been taken by over 34,000 people since. In August 2024, we updated the questions and resources found within the “trauma bond quiz" along with others to help clarify and ensure access to most relevant resources.

If you have questions or comments regarding the results of the “trauma bond quiz, please contact us at hello@garbo.io

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