Trauma Bond Test — Why You Can't Leave
Self-assessment: are you trapped in a traumatic bond?
How to read your scores
Each dimension is scored out of its own maximum (e.g. 16/25 = 16 points out of 25 for that dimension). The higher the score, the more that dimension is present. Below each bar, a label (low / moderate / high) and a clinical interpretation explain what your score means. The overall score sums every dimension.Overall score
96/150
Serious situation requiring priority action
The trauma bond is intense and several dimensions are seriously affected. If you are in physical danger, your safety is the absolute priority.
Scores per dimension
Low — You observe little violence-reconciliation alternation in your relationship. The dynamic seems stable.
Moderate — You sometimes feel this difficulty leaving. Clarification work (limits, project) helps recover freedom.
Low — You don't feel behavioral addiction to your relationship. Positive moments don't dominate your attention.
Moderate — A gap begins to form between what you know and what you can do. This is the time to seek external support before isolation grows.
Your full report includes
- ✓Introduction
This report is a self-assessment, not a diagnosis. It analyzes your attachment experience across four dimensions inspired by Carnes (1997) and Dutton-Painter (1981): violence-reconciliation cycle, inability to leave, intermittent reinforcement, awareness-action gap. The results help you clarify where you stand and identify priority resources.
- ✓Global Score
Your global score reflects the combined intensity of trauma bond in your current relationship. The higher the score, the heavier the situation — and the more specialized support becomes indispensable, particularly in case of violence indicators.
- ✓Analysis by Dimension
Each dimension sheds light on a facet of trauma bond. The Walker cycle (D1) describes the violence-reconciliation dynamic. Inability to leave (D2) measures the emotional trap. Intermittent reinforcement (D3) explains neurobiological dependency. The awareness-action gap (D4) reveals progressive isolation.
- ✓Recommendations
Three paths exist depending on your situation: (1) build inner safety and lucidity before acting; (2) prepare a concrete exit plan with a professional; (3) prioritize immediate physical safety if violence is present. No option is universal — your situation is unique. A hotline (1-800-799-7233 US, 0808 2000 247 UK, 3919 France) can help you clarify without commitment.
- ✓Resources
Carnes P. (1997) — The Betrayal Bond (founding framework, 9 conditions of trauma bond). Dutton D. & Painter S. (1981) — Traumatic Bonding (seminal article). Walker L.E. (1979) — The Battered Woman Syndrome (violence-reconciliation cycle, 3 phases). Inspired by Bowlby (attachment) and Skinner (intermittent reinforcement). To go further: CBT, EMDR for trauma, Young schemas, systemic therapy. Hotlines: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (US), National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (UK).
- ✓Disclaimer
This test is a self-assessment, not a medical or psychological diagnosis. It does not evaluate your partner — it evaluates your experience and attachment. Trauma bonding can involve relationships where physical safety is threatened. If this is your case, do not stay alone. EMERGENCY: 911 (US), 999 (UK), 112 (EU) for immediate danger. Domestic violence hotlines: 1-800-799-7233 (US), 0808 2000 247 (UK), 3919 (France). Suicidal thoughts: 988 (US), 116 123 (Samaritans UK), 3114 (France). Leaving a trauma bond takes time, patience, and often specialized support. You are not alone.
Profile synthesis
This profile shows contrasts across the 4 dimensions of the Trauma Bond Test — Why You Can't Leave: some areas appear to be solid resources while others deserve attention. Your full report includes a personalized synthesis — written for you from your own answers — that connects these dimensions, explains how they interact, and highlights your strengths as well as priority areas.
Personalized action plan
Now
Concrete actions to start this week.
Medium term
Habits to build over the coming weeks.
Long term
Deeper changes to sustain over months.
In your real report, each item is a specific recommendation tailored to your scores.
Illustrative example — self-assessment tool, not a medical diagnosis. Your real report is individually written from your answers.
Get YOUR Trauma Bond Test — Why You Can't Leave report
The report above is an illustrative example. Unlock the test to get your personalized PDF report (real scores, interpretation, recommendations).
🔒 Secure payment by Stripe · then take the test · personalized PDF report
⚡ Instant access · Anonymous · No signup required