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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Family and relational consequences of reputational trauma
Authors
Dr. Abiodun Adebunmi Omeife-Greg, Celestina Johnson
Abstract
Public accusation and reputational harm are conventionally understood as
injuries to the individual. This framing, while important, obscures the
profound and often enduring psychological impact on the individual’s family and
close relational network. This article argues that such harm constitutes a
family‑level traumatic event, producing secondary trauma that remains largely
unrecognised in clinical, institutional, and social discourse. Drawing on
family systems theory, the literature on secondary traumatic stress, and social
psychology, this paper conceptualises families as collateral participants in
public harm. It examines how public accusation destabilises core family
structures, reshapes relational roles, disrupts communication patterns, and
erodes long‑term trust. The analysis further explores the relational
transmission of silence, stigma, and chronic uncertainty, detailing the unique
vulnerabilities of partners, children, and extended family members. By
positioning the family as both a primary site of injury and a potential locus
of healing, this article offers critical implications for clinical practice,
institutional accountability, and the development of trauma‑informed support
systems following reputational trauma.
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Pages:44-47
How to cite this article:
Dr. Abiodun Adebunmi Omeife-Greg, Celestina Johnson "Family and relational consequences of reputational trauma". International Journal of Advanced Education and Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 44-47
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