| Abstract: | The aims of this study were to test predictions of betrayal trauma theory (Freyd, 1996) in a non-Western culture and to contribute to the limited empirical literature on child abuse in Japan. Per betrayal trauma theory, high betrayal trauma is abuse perpetrated by someone close to the victim, medium betrayal trauma is abuse perpetrated by someone not close, low betrayal trauma involves no identifiable perpetrator, and as level of betrayal increases so does posttraumatic distress and trauma-related memory disruption. Seventy-nine Japanese university students completed an anonymous online survey of trauma experiences, psychological health and cultural values. It was hypothesized that high betrayal childhood abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional maltreatment and/or neglect) would predict greater psychological distress and trauma-related memory disruption than would medium betrayal trauma and these hypotheses were partially supported. Endorsement of traditional Asian cultural values (e.g., interpersonal harmony) was not a significant moderator on the betrayal effects found. The findings partially support predictions of betrayal trauma theory in a non-Western culture and have intervention and prevention implications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
