10 Psychological Reasons For Betrayal In Every Relationship

By: Sarah Grace

Have you ever experienced the feeling of betrayal by a close one? Is it not funny that all those people who claim to stay together with you eventually leave you?

Ahhh! How fast the night changes. People change, and that is what they are supposed to do. Because, by nature, human beings start feeling bored following the same routine. 

They need change to refresh their minds. But this change shouldn’t be associated with anyone’s emotions.

In this article, we will discuss the science behind betrayal and the psychological reasons for betrayal.

  1. What is betrayal?
  2. Signs of betrayal
  3. The psychological effects of betrayal 
  4. Psychological reasons for betrayal
  5. What do people do after being betrayed?
  6. How do you deal with betrayals?
  7. Conclusion
  8. Frequently asked questions
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What is betrayal?

Betrayal is the deliberate act of causing harm or emotional distress by engaging in wrongful actions. It occurs when an individual, often driven by self-interest, inflicts pain on others by breaking the principles of trust and loyalty. This involves a deviation from accepted norms, shattering the expectations of a relationship.

Signs of Betrayal  

When it comes to the signs of betrayal, how people treat you shows their loyalty. If someone is a betrayal, then their behavior will make you aware.

Low trust and toxic traits like anger, greed, backbiting, fibbing, cheating, exaggeration, and dishonesty are some of the most common symptoms of infidelity.

The psychological effects of betrayal 

The psychological effects of betrayal can be minor or sometimes cause serious issues. We, as individuals, accept loyalty and sympathy from others, and when someone violates this, we feel sad.

Betrayal causes behavior disturbances like grief, mood swings, and anger, as well as serious mental and psychological disorders like OCD, depression, and anxiety. 

Also read: 10 Psychological reasons for lying

Psychological reasons for betrayal

Betrayal is not only confined to human beings; rather, all creatures show this phenomenon. Animals like birds, insects, and fish lurk for their predators to escape. Animals adapt behavior patterns similar to their environment that help them hide during attacks. 

Perhaps animals do this for self-defense. They did not harm others with their behavior. On the other hand, human beings, as cruel creatures, get involved with this with the aim of hurting others. 

Here we are going to discuss some psychological reasons for betrayal in relationships:

  1. Selfishness

It’s funny how sometimes the people you would like to take a bullet for, are the ones behind the trigger.

— Anonymous 

The most common psychological reason for betrayal is selfishness. Self-centered people can do anything for their own benefit. It does not matter to them what others think of their feelings.

The only intent behind their acts is to get benefits. They don’t think that their omissions will cause harm or destroy lives.

  1. Jealousy

Today, in the twenty-first century, people have become so involved in jealousy. They can’t see the success and pleasures of others.

They don’t possess the capacity to value the individuals in their vicinity. They are jealous of the happiness and success of other people.  

Such people will always find ways to destroy the joys of others. They are in search of opportunities to betray, or they create the opportunities.

  1. Trust issues

“The worst thing about betrayal is that it will never come from your enemies.”

— Unknown

People betray relationships because they do not trust their partners. A relationship’s success depends primarily on trust.

If relationships lack trust, then the chances are that your partner will be betrayed. If you want long-term relationships, then you must have or develop a strong element of trust. 

  1. They don’t value your emotions

One-sided relationships can never succeed. For long-term relationships, both parties should participate equally. The worst-case scenario is when two people with zero understanding are forced to live together. 

When people don’t respect or value other’s emotions they tend to The chances of betrayal are increased in these situations. 

  1. They have power

The people in power have an urge to dominate in every situation. There is a strong desire in them for superiority in all areas of life. So they showcase their abilities to dominate and manipulate others.

When people with zero standards are in power, they misuse their authority and try to hurt others with their use of power. They don’t care if their actions are painful for others or not.

  1. Need for power

Another psychological reason for betrayal is the need to acquire or maintain authority. This is most likely to happen to politicians and opponents who betray because of the need for power. 

Despite that, you can also find examples of this everywhere, in your office, in your house, or with your neighbors. They have a concept of might that is right so they want to dominate by fair or foul means. 

  1. Psychological issues

Lies drag towards betrayal. People lie for many psychological reasons. Narcissists will tell a lot of lies.

Little white lies are common, but psychopaths lie a lot. In this way, they deceive and betray others, either intentionally or unintentionally.  

  1. Lack of ethics 

People with low moral values and ethics lack empathy. They have grown up without any concept of right and wrong.

The absence of these elements in a human being’s behaviour leads to infidelity. A high-standard person will never break anyone’s trust.    

  1. Change in priorities

Due to the changing nature of humans, their priorities keep fluctuating. They put their hundred and ten percent effort into new relationships.

However, this percentage starts decreasing as they get older. Even at some point in their lives, they don’t hesitate to betray others. 

  1. External Factors

Despite all the reasons listed above, there are countless others for which people betray one another.

Parents, children, friends, or society sometimes create an environment of deception. A person can become disloyal due to pressure from their close ones. 

What do people do after being betrayed?

The nature of every person varies. Some people want to take revenge after being betrayed. The cure for this disease is not that particular approach.

Despite satisfying your ego in a short time, this will not eliminate your pain and troubles. If you want to get out of that situation, you should accept that you’re in grief and that person betrayed you. Try to forgive them, and never trust anyone too fast or blindly.

How to deal with betrayal

When your close one leaves you, it can cause betrayal trauma, leaving you with the fear of attachments.

But there is no need to worry about that, as we will guide you on how to get rid of that pain. If you or anyone you know is suffering from betrayal trauma, then these tips will definitely help you.

  • Accept the grief
  • Cut down from toxic friends
  • Know your fault 
  • Forgive them and yourself
  • Restart your self-love journey
  • Develop cognitive thinking. 

Conclusion

People betray because of selfishness, jealousy, trust issues, the need for power, a lack of ethics, psychological issues, or so many other external factors.

In a nutshell, the psychological reason for betrayal depends on the specific circumstances of a human being. 

So that concludes today’s article. Keep an eye out for more such information in the future. Tell us your thoughts in the comment section. 

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Frequently asked questions

What is the root cause of betrayal?

Jealousy and selfishness are the root causes of betrayal. 

What causes someone to betray others?

Many behavioral, social, and psychological reasons cause someone to betray others.

Can we deal with betrayal trauma?

Yes, there are a lot of psychological therapies to deal with or heal from betrayal trauma. 

What are the consequences of betrayal?

Grief, anger, fear of making new relationships, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are the consequences of betrayal.

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I'm a researcher with a deep passion for understanding the complexities of the mind. My background in psychology and years spent analyzing research have equipped me with the knowledge to translate complex concepts into practical tools for self-help and mental well-being. I'm driven by a desire to empower individuals to navigate life's challenges and cultivate emotional health.

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