top of page

Adverse Religious Experiences (AREs) vs. Religious Trauma (RT): An Important Distinction

Updated: Mar 10, 2023

It's important to recognize that "religious trauma" (RT) does not refer to the situation or event that caused someone's lasting adverse effects on their nervous system. The term that has been adopted for those events is "Adverse Religious Experiences" (AREs). So, what's the difference?


Adverse Religious Experiences

Briefly stated, AREs are any experience of a religious belief, practice, or structure that undermines an individual's sense of safety or autonomy and/or negatively impacts their physical, social, emotional, relational, sexual, or psychological well-being. These experiences have the potential of resulting in religious trauma.


While there are no set parameters for constituting an ARE, they are typically categorized into three generalized headings: Abuse, neglect, and communal practices. Below is a list of some common ARE examples, but the list is not exhaustive:

  • ABUSE

    • Emotional

    • Verbal

    • Physical

    • Sexual

  • NEGLECT

    • Emotional

    • Verbal

    • Physical

    • Sexual

  • COMMUNAL PRACTICES

    • Community Violence

    • Bullying / Threats / Intimidation

    • Terrorism

    • Public Outing / Stigmatizing / Branding

    • Forced Confessions

    • Shunning / Excommunication

    • Brainwashing / Forced Indoctrination

      • Social / Familial Isolation

      • Information Privation

      • Scapegoating / Othering

      • Identity Disruption

      • Emotional Manipulation

      • Phobia Induction

      • Dress / Behavioral Control

      • Segregation

    • Love Bombing / Trauma Bonding

    • Stalking / Harassment

    • Forced Conversion

    • Conversion Therapy

    • Forced Ritual Performance

    • Substance Abuse

    • Financial Fraud

    • Financial, Sexual, or Other Exploitation


Religious Trauma

The term "religious trauma" refers to the lasting adverse effects on a person’s physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being after an Adverse Religious Experience has occurred. While there is significant overlap and influence between the two terms, AREs are not the same thing as religious trauma.


It is also important to note that not all AREs will result in RT for every person. But for many, an ARE may result in various trauma responses, such as:

  • Chronic Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Suicidal Ideations

  • Nightmares

  • Self-Harm

  • Chronic Shame

  • Chronic Fear

  • Chronic Stress

  • Chronic Health Conditions

  • Mental Health Challenges

  • Risky Behaviors

  • Social / Relationship Challenges

Terminology Matters

Knowing the distinction between AREs and RT will help people unpack the tangled webs of their experiences so they can identify the source of complex thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Precise and nuanced definitions help people better understand how certain faith doctrines and belief systems can cause an ingrained trauma response loop in the nervous system.

From this distinction, people can learn best practices for treating religious trauma so they can then advocate for informed therapy and discover whether or not to remain in their faith tradition.




4 comentários


Convidado:
09 de set.

In the rhythm-based action game geometry dash world, you must leap over obstacles and soar over them. Just tap "Play" to begin playing the available levels. To control your character, use the left mouse button or spacebar. You will come across additional aspects as you play, such rockets and gravity flips, among others. The objective is to finish the level without encountering any obstacles; you can hone your abilities by using the practice mode.

Editado
Curtir

rosie anna
rosie anna
07 de ago.

Many people face the religious trauma but according to the story i am not getting the point that was this a religious trauma or something else?

Affordable Landscaping Services In Stanley NC

Curtir

Robert julia
Robert julia
27 de jun.

This is a very important and necessary article to better understand the concepts of "Adverse Religious Experiences" (AREs) and "Religious Trauma" (RT). The author clearly distinguished these two concepts, and also provided a detailed list of the types of AREs that can occur. This iq test will help people understand the origins of the long-term impacts on their physical and mental health.

Curtir

Convidado:
25 de jun.

The insight about distinguishing between AREs and RT provides a powerful tool for individuals to gain clarity on their personal experiences, helping them navigate and heal from deep-seated emotional responses rooted in faith doctrines and belief systems. slice masters

Curtir
bottom of page