Reenactment

A term co-opted in the psychological trauma literature by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk to refer to specific actions, behaviors or relationship patterns associated with one’s history of trauma that are repeated by that person in subsequent situations or relationships. Repetition may be intentional, compulsive or unconscious in nature and can include returning to dangerous locations in which assaults occurred, or pursuing romantic partners with behaviors and personality features similar to those of past perpetrators.