Review

Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics

Volume: 13 Number: 1 May 5, 2026
TR EN

Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics

Abstract

Modern relationship dynamics have evolved significantly, reflecting changes in societal norms, digital communication, and psychological complexities. This article is a theoretical review examining the interaction of early trauma, attachment disruptions, dissociation, and narcissistic traits in shaping relational behaviors such as situationships, cushioning, breadcrumbing, ghosting-zombie-ing, enmeshment, and the objectification trap.  From the perspective of modern psychotraumatology and dissoanalysis theory, it explores how unresolved emotional issues and societal influences sustain patterns of control, superficial interactions, and emotional detachment, drawing on concepts like necriphysiphilia and controlled human syndrome. These dysfunctional relationships are intensified by digital platforms, amplifying interpersonal alienation and promoting cycles of control, submission, and dependency. To counter consumerist and digital structures that encourage emotional detachment and the commodification of relationships, societal shifts emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and mutual connection are needed. This study integrates psychosocial perspectives to offer a framework for understanding and minimizing dysfunctional relationship patterns in the modern era.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Applied and Developmental Psychology (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

May 5, 2026

Publication Date

May 5, 2026

Submission Date

February 19, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 9, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 1

APA
Kaşıkçı, İ. F., & Öztürk, E. (2026). Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences, 13(1), 341-354. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1642779
AMA
1.Kaşıkçı İF, Öztürk E. Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics. IGUJSS. 2026;13(1):341-354. doi:10.17336/igusbd.1642779
Chicago
Kaşıkçı, İrem Fatma, and Erdinç Öztürk. 2026. “Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 13 (1): 341-54. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1642779.
EndNote
Kaşıkçı İF, Öztürk E (May 1, 2026) Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 13 1 341–354.
IEEE
[1]İ. F. Kaşıkçı and E. Öztürk, “Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics”, IGUJSS, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 341–354, May 2026, doi: 10.17336/igusbd.1642779.
ISNAD
Kaşıkçı, İrem Fatma - Öztürk, Erdinç. “Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 13/1 (May 1, 2026): 341-354. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1642779.
JAMA
1.Kaşıkçı İF, Öztürk E. Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics. IGUJSS. 2026;13:341–354.
MLA
Kaşıkçı, İrem Fatma, and Erdinç Öztürk. “Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 13, no. 1, May 2026, pp. 341-54, doi:10.17336/igusbd.1642779.
Vancouver
1.İrem Fatma Kaşıkçı, Erdinç Öztürk. Apparently Normal Relationship Styles: Exploring the Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Dysfunctional Attachment Dynamics. IGUJSS. 2026 May 1;13(1):341-54. doi:10.17336/igusbd.1642779

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