Understanding Religious Trauma and Its Effects

Trauma refers to the profound emotional and psychological impact that occurs when an individual’s sense of safety is compromised and their ability to cope is overwhelmed. Such experiences often shatter a person’s sense of security, which can have lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Trauma can arise from a wide array of experiences and is not limited to a single isolated event like a car accident. It can arise from repeated exposure to adverse experiences over time, such as child abuse. Religious trauma is a form of this type of chronic trauma that emerges from ongoing negative experiences that occur within a religious community or belief/faith system. It can cause deep emotional and psychological distress that manifest in numerous ways. Understanding religious trauma and its effects is crucial for the healing process. If you believe that you may have suffered from religious trauma, or other types of traumas, this article will help you learn about how you’ve been affected, and how to foster healing.

What is Religious Trauma?

Religious trauma can stem from various sources, including ongoing harsh and rigid dogmatic teachings, abusive practices, punitive teachings, coercive control by religious leaders, or the shaming and exclusion of those who deviate from prescribed norms. Such experiences deeply impact a person’s identity, and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, difficulties trusting others, problems with relationships, and struggles with self-worth. Religious trauma and its effects are complex, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and confused.

Signs of Religious Trauma

To learn if you are impacted by religious trauma, look inward and answer the following questions:

1. Do you struggle with self-hate?

Some religious movements have both an “in groups,” and an “out groups.” The in-group are labeled good, moral, and devout, while the out-group are labeled evil, unworthy, and immoral. The in-groups’ identities can be elevated over others, which can result in the out-group being marginalized, oppressed, and discriminated against.

2. Do you feel insecure and doubt yourself?

If you were part of the out-group in a religious community, you may feel like your decisions and choices are wrong, suffer with low self-esteem, doubt yourself, experience depression, and have suicidal thoughts.

3. Are you ashamed of yourself?

Some faith-based communities use the painful experience of shame to control others. To avoid feeling shame, some people will cover up their errors or mistakes. This makes it harder for someone to learn how to take responsibility for their mistakes and how to forgive themselves and others.

4. Do you need to be perfect?

The need to be perfect often comes with high levels of anxiety and stress. Some religious communities place a person’s moral value on specific actions, careers, choices, or behaviors. For example, certain types of families are valued more than others. The same could be said of careers, too.

5. Are you hypervigilant?

Some religions believe that there is a vindictive god who punishes people who are “bad.” If someone falls short of their beliefs, they may fear that they will be punished, leading to high levels of anxiety.

6. Is it hard to make difficult choices and decisions?

Religious doctrines and hierarchies influence the choices congregants make. If someone chooses to leave their institution, they may be racked with self-doubt, struggle to find their autonomy and have difficulties with decision making.

7. Have you been ostracized?

Many people who leave their religious faith or community have friends and family who have turned their backs on them. This is known as excommunicated, banished, excluded, expelled, or ignored. As a result, the person feels lonely and isolated and has a hard time forming new connections, especially with people who their faith has labeled as “evil” or “inferior.”

8. Do you have a lack of healthy boundaries?

Some faith-based communities give feedback to members about how they can and cannot live their lives, such as volunteering and attending service. If boundaries are clear and respected, this can be healthy. If boundaries are opaque or blurry, an individual may have difficulty creating an identity for themselves or engaging in self-care. It may also make it difficult for someone to know the power of saying “no.”

9. Have you missed or have delayed social milestones?

Purity culture emphasizes what couples should look like, abstinence prior to marriage, traditional gender roles, and dressing modestly. Consequently, some people may not have their first date or first kiss until they are adults, thus missing out on important developmental and social milestones. Some people who leave their religious community engage in reckless or impulsive behavior to make up for this delay.

10. Do you have difficulty having or maintaining a healthy sex life?

Purity culture may not prepare someone with the necessary skills to have a healthy sex life. Adults raised in these types of faith communities may feel dirty or guilty for expressing their sexuality or sexual desire. Some faith-based communities teach that sex is an obligation, which fails to recognize the importance of consent. Without active, informed consent, sex can be unhealthy, harmful, and even criminal.

The team at Therapy Changes is committed to helping people live their most fulfilling lives. If you, or someone you know, has signs of religious trauma, or if you are curious about how being raised in a faith-based community may impact you today, we are here to help. Working with a professional San Diego psychologist will help you understand the complexities of religious trauma and provide effective support to foster healing. Contact Us today to learn more about How Therapy Works and What to Expect and to schedule an appointment.

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