EMOTIONAL INSECURITY AND TRUST: THE CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA IN ADULT RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

This article provides a theoretical analysis of the problem of trust in close relationships. The article notes that emotional intimacy is one of the most important elements that determine the quality and depth of a couple’s relationship. It serves as the basis for building trust, which, in turn, is a key component in a stable and satisfactory relationship. Trust is defined as an expectation of reliability, openness, and honesty on the part of another person based on previous experience of interaction, individual beliefs, and values. Studies of the psychological aspects of trust show that it is a dynamic process that depends on the context and experience of interaction. It is formed through positive shared experiences, mutual support, honest communication, and willingness to compromise. The analysis of recent psychological research has made it possible to clarify the importance of trust in interpersonal relationships, especially in the context of emotional closeness and physical intimacy of partners. Childhood traumatic experiences have a significant impact on the ability to build trust in adult relationships. Early experiences of emotional insecurity, neglect, physical or psychological abuse can leave deep traces that manifest themselves in difficulties in building healthy and stable adult relationships. One of the key consequences of childhood trauma is the formation of negative attachment patterns. According to John Bowlby’s attachment theory, children who grow up in an unstable or unsafe environment develop an anxious or avoidant attachment style. These styles are accompanied by distrust of others, fear of rejection, or avoidance of intimacy, which becomes a significant obstacle to the formation of open and trusting relationships in a couple. Restoring trust after it has been broken is a complex process that requires both partners’ willingness to work on the relationship, an open apology. Overall, current research confirms that trust is a key element in forming and maintaining healthy and satisfying interpersonal relationships.