I found insight into the "schemas" or "traps" we can be prone to fall for in our adult relationships, due to neglect, (emotional abuse, yes), or physical abuse in childhood from Dr. Jeffrey Young's "Schema Therapy." He has a website and also explores schema modes - there are tests for one to identify the patterns we hold onto later in life and how to break them. I believe there is hope, with lots of work in T and examination of our adult relationships, to breaking negative cycles. Thank you for your post. "tohelpafriend"