Institutional Betrayal

Institutional betrayal refers to the emotional harm caused when an institution fails to protect an individual. This harm is especially severe when the individual expected support and protection from the institution.

Institutional betrayal can be either direct or indirect.

An example of direct institutional betrayal in the workplace is a supervisor demanding that an employee perform hurtful, demeaning, or devaluing tasks.

Another example is an employer dismissing an employee or passing them over for a promotion as they disregard years of contributions, loyalty, and personal sacrifices.

Examples of indirect institutional betrayal include the failure to protect an employee from inappropriate behavior by superiors, firing an employee for seeking justice, or a government agency, such as the military, failing to take action against, or covering up, an assault on a Service Member.

If this describes you or someone you know, it's important to understand that Institutional Betrayal can often mirror trauma responses. It can feel especially devastating because the betrayal comes from a person or organization you trusted.

Common emotional symptoms resulting from institutional betrayal are:

• loss of trust in people and organizations,

• loss of self-trust in own decisions and memories,

• increased anxiety and hypervigilance,

• feelings of hopelessness, shame, guilt, or self-blame, and

• anger, isolation, and detachment. 

  
  

Cognitive symptoms can include:

• intrusive thoughts and trouble concentrating,

• avoidance of similar locations, people, or situations,

• disengagements from activities that were once joyful or sought after, and

• reluctance to report future harm or seek help.

Finally, physical symptoms can include

• sleep disturbances,

• fatigue,

• appetite changes, and

• headaches or chronic pain.

The experience of Institutional Betrayal often fades with time. However, in some cases, the associated feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can have long-term effects.

I will discuss trauma and methods to address trauma symptomology in future posts but please consider seeking support from a trauma-focused therapist or to self-educate using reputable resources.