Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{183140,
        author = {Dr Triveni Sharma},
        title = {SOMATIC CONSEQUENCES OF PAST ROMANTIC BETRAYAL: EXPLORING THE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF RELATIONAL TRAUMA},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {3},
        pages = {750-757},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=183140},
        abstract = {Romantic betrayal represents a profound form of interpersonal trauma with extensive emotional, cognitive, and somatic consequences. Emerging research suggests that betrayal trauma activates the autonomic nervous system, leading to chronic elevations of cortisol and catecholamines, which may contribute to immune dysregulation, cardiovascular strain, and disorders such as broken heart syndrome. Beyond these physiological sequelae, betrayal trauma has been linked to persistent psychological distress, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and difficulties in emotion regulation. Recent studies also reveal paradoxical patterns in partner preferences among betrayal survivors, such as reduced desirability for loyalty and sincerity and increased tolerance for verbally aggressive traits, reflecting disrupted relational schemas. Furthermore, betrayal trauma can negatively influence key relational processes—including intimacy, trust, and communication—thereby increasing vulnerability to revictimization and relational conflict. Collectively, these findings highlight the pervasive and enduring impact of betrayal trauma, underscoring the need for trauma-informed clinical interventions that address both the physiological imprint and relational disruptions stemming from romantic betrayal.},
        keywords = {Betrayal Trauma; Romantic Relationships; Somatic Consequences; Partner Preferences; Broken Heart Syndrome; Emotion Regulation; Relational Functioning.},
        month = {August},
        }