Abstract

Though betrayal is a widely occurring phenomenon, and an event of potentially profound impact, there has been a noticeable lack of research regarding this experience. Ethical considerations and traditional experimental research methodology have precluded detailed study of interpersonal betrayal within preexisting relationships where trust has been an assumed "given." Qualitative phenomenological methodology is empirical and systematic, while also permitting and inviting descriptive, comprehensive analysis of central, meaningful events such as betrayal. The intent of this dissertation is to explore essential, thematic aspects of the experience of feeling significantly betrayed by an important other person. This was accomplished by analyzing transcripts of comprehensive descriptions of the experience. ;Betrayal offers a window into certain fundamental existential issues of self-development, which begin early and continue through adulthood. The most central longitudinal element of the experience can be expressed as: the vexing tension between the joint human needs for affiliation and autonomy; or, the negotiation of closeness and distance in relationships, such that aspects of "true" self are not unduly sacrificed due to need for affiliation; or, the movement of self toward increasing individuation and differentiation, more self-knowledge and self-efficacy and less self-betrayal. Within this general movement, the core which drives the experience of betrayal is the break with usual, assumed reality, the shock of, and initial inability to assimilate the experience, on emotional, cognitive, or ethical levels. This shock occasions a loss of innocence about, and reevaluation of, the identity of self and others, one's assumptions about relationships and justice. Such confrontation is arduous, as it represents coming to terms with apparent loss of control, loss of familiar self-identity, even if such identity contained self-destructive elements, and with the belief that others are or should be validating of oneself. It is difficult to conceptualize the experience of betrayal without referring to discussion of the dynamics of self, including less conscious aspects, and the non-linearity and irrationality of, self-development. ;These issues are further discussed in terms of reflections about the practice of psychotherapy, phenomenological methodology, and how other theories and research bear upon the phenomenon