Shattered Assumptions: Towards a New Psychology of Trauma – Understanding Betrayal, Institutional Retaliation, and Psychological Reconstruction
Shattered Assumptions by Ronnie Janoff-Bulman explores how trauma disrupts deeply held beliefs about safety, justice, and control, forcing individuals to rebuild their psychological framework in the aftermath of betrayal, loss, or systemic abuse. The book introduces the Shattered Assumptions Theory, explaining how traumatic events—especially those involving betrayal by trusted institutions, workplace retaliation, and social exclusion—create profound cognitive and emotional upheaval. At the Center for Integrative Neuroscience, this book aligns with our focus on whistleblower retaliation, power dynamics, and the long-term psychological effects of systemic oppression.
 
How This Book Connects to Our Work
✔ How Trauma Shatters Core Beliefs About the World – The book explains that people operate under fundamental assumptions about fairness, safety, and predictability. When these assumptions are destroyed—whether through corruption, institutional betrayal, or social exile—it forces a psychological crisis. This aligns with our work in helping individuals recover from systemic retaliation and psychological manipulation.
✔ The Unique Trauma of Workplace Retaliation & Social Exclusion – While trauma is often discussed in the context of violence or personal loss, this book highlights the impact of betrayal trauma—when institutions, workplaces, or social groups turn against an individual. This mirrors our research on how whistleblowers, high performers, and ethical disruptors become targets of mobbing, status theft, and exclusion.
✔ The Neuroscience of Trauma & Chronic Stress – The book explores how trauma rewires the brain, creating heightened stress responses, cortisol dysregulation, and long-term cognitive shifts. This supports our research into how systemic oppression and psychological warfare in hierarchical environments damage mental and physical health.
✔ Reconstructing One’s Assumptions & Reclaiming Power – The process of healing from shattered assumptions requires a new framework for understanding power, manipulation, and resilience. This aligns with our focus on helping individuals regain sovereignty, psychological resilience, and energy independence after experiencing institutional betrayal or exclusion.
 
Essential Reading for Those Recovering from Betrayal, Workplace Retaliation, or Systemic Oppression
For individuals who have experienced workplace sabotage, systemic gaslighting, or exclusion from professional and social structures, Shattered Assumptions provides a critical framework for understanding the psychological impact of trauma and developing strategies for rebuilding identity and power. It reinforces the mission of the Center for Integrative Neuroscience to help individuals recognize, resist, and dismantle manipulative power structures using neuroscience-backed strategies for resilience, empowerment, and long-term success.