Toxic relationships refer to interactions between individuals that involve recurring psychological, emotional, and at times physical harm. Cyclical dynamics, particularly the repetition of phases such as abuse and reconciliation, play a critical role in sustaining these relationships.
This article examines the cyclical structure of toxic relationships from both clinical and theoretical perspectives, analyzing the roles of attachment styles, traumatic bonding, narcissistic and manipulative behaviors, cognitive-behavioral mechanisms, and sociocultural factors.
Additionally, clinical intervention strategies are discussed through an ethically anonymized case example. The article is based on current literature from both national and international sources.
Keywords: toxic relationship, cyclical dynamics, cycle of abuse, traumatic bonding, attachment styles, narcissistic abuse
Introduction
Toxic relationships are an important research area in psychology literature and clinical practice. These relationships encompass repeated emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm between individuals.
Recurring negative behaviors create emotional bonds that keep the victim within the relationship. Cyclical dynamics are a key mechanism in the sustainability of these relationships.
The Cycle of Abuse model, proposed by Walker (1979), defines recurring phases of violence and reconciliation in four stages:
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Tension-building
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Abusive incident
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Reconciliation/remorse
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Calm period
This cycle provides a critical framework for explaining the complex psychological processes that contribute to the victim’s attachment to the relationship.
Recent research shows that traumatic bonding, narcissistic abuse, attachment styles, cognitive distortions, and sociocultural norms play a central role in maintaining these cycles (Shaughnessy et al., 2023; Day et al., 2021).
This article aims to provide a holistic analysis of cyclical dynamics and present clinical intervention strategies.
Walker’s Cycle of Abuse
Walker (1979) describes the repeated cycles of violence and reconciliation in toxic relationships across four stages: tension-building, abusive incident, reconciliation/remorse, and calm period.
These stages contribute to the psychological bonds that keep the victim attached to the relationship.
This model is still widely accepted in clinical practice and offers a fundamental framework for understanding cyclical relational structures.
Traumatic Bonding
Traumatic bonding refers to the strong emotional attachments that develop between the victim and the abuser in the context of power imbalance and repeated mistreatment.
These attachments are reinforced through reward-punishment cycles and intermittent positive relational behaviors. Childhood neglect and previous trauma may predispose individuals to these cycles (Shaughnessy et al., 2023).
In therapy, traumatic bonding is often revealed through ambivalence — the victim simultaneously fears and seeks the abuser’s presence — a paradox rooted in learned helplessness and intermittent reinforcement.
Narcissistic and Manipulative Dynamics
Narcissistic abuse cycles (idealization → devaluation → punishment/abandonment) represent a frequent subtype of toxic relationships.
In these relationships, the partner’s self-worth is systematically eroded, while isolation and emotional manipulation become central features.
The narcissistic partner’s strategies are designed to induce dependency, making the victim’s sense of identity revolve around the abuser (Day et al., 2021).
This pattern reflects psychological control, wherein affection alternates with rejection, generating confusion and emotional captivity.
Methodology
This study was conducted using a narrative review approach.
The literature was searched with the keywords “toxic relationships,” “cycle of abuse,” “traumatic bonding,” “narcissistic abuse,” and “attachment and intimate partner violence.”
Articles published between 2000 and 2025 were prioritized.
The selected studies were clinically relevant and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Additionally, a case example was included to provide a clinical application perspective based on the literature findings.
Materials
The selected literature includes theoretical and empirical studies explaining toxic relationships and cyclical dynamics.
Sample types, measurement tools, and clinical applicability of the findings were carefully reviewed to ensure practical relevance for mental health professionals.
Case Example
Anonymous Case:
A 28-year-old female victim in a long-term romantic relationship. Her partner exhibited cyclical patterns of abuse and reconciliation.
The case illustrates traumatic bonding and narcissistic manipulation observed during the clinical therapy process.
Cognitive-behavioral and attachment-focused interventions were implemented to address the recurring dynamics, helping the client regain autonomy and emotional stability.
Findings and Discussion
Mechanisms Sustaining the Cycle
1. Cognitive Mechanisms
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Cognitive distortions and cognitive dissonance allow the victim to justify or rationalize the abuser’s behavior.
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Normalization and minimization of abusive acts make it easier for the victim to tolerate recurring mistreatment.
2. Emotional Mechanisms
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Attachment needs and reward-punishment cycles strengthen emotional dependency.
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Shame, guilt, and fear intertwine with traumatic bonding, perpetuating the cycle of entrapment.
3. Behavioral and Social Mechanisms
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Isolation and economic dependency reinforce the victim’s entrapment.
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A lack of social support networks limits help-seeking behavior and contributes to chronic helplessness.
Clinical Interventions
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Trauma-Informed Therapy: Focused on safety, autonomy, and empowerment, addressing both physiological and psychological consequences of trauma.
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Attachment-Focused Therapy: Targets insecure attachment dynamics and re-establishes emotional regulation.
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Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions: Help process guilt, shame, and self-blame, while reframing cognitive distortions.
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Safety Planning and Social Service Referrals: Provide legal, practical, and social support, ensuring stability and physical safety.
In the case example, combining CBT with attachment-based approaches facilitated recovery, helping the victim reclaim a sense of security and disengage from the abusive cycle.
Conclusion
Cyclical dynamics in toxic relationships are sustained through the interaction of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.
Effective clinical practice requires multi-layered and integrative interventions.
Trauma-informed and attachment-focused therapies, combined with social support and economic empowerment, emerge as key strategies for breaking the cycle and fostering long-term healing.
References
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Day, N. J. S., et al. (2021). Pathological narcissism: An analysis of interpersonal dynamics and impact on partners. Frontiers in Psychology.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9541508/ -
Shaughnessy, E. V., et al. (2023). Risk factors for traumatic bonding and associations with PTSD symptoms. Child Abuse & Neglect.
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Walker, L. E. (1979). The Battered Woman. New York: Harper & Row.
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Sangeetha, J., & Mohan, S. (2022). Strategic analysis of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the cycle of violence. International Journal of Social Sciences.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9233205/ -
Sunshine Coast DFV Coordination. (2022). Cycle of Violence.