intergenerational transmission of trauma theory

INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF TRAUMA THEORY MOVIE

“Epigenetic research suggests that epigenetic modifications resulting from highly stressed environments have the potential to be transmitted across generations” (Yehuda and Bierer, 2009). While the mechanisms of transmission continue to be studied, it is suggested significant contributors include epigenetics and parenting styles that have likely been impacted by traumatic events. Intergenerational trauma implies that parents can pass down unresolved tension and feelings from their own families of origin onto their children. Its impact has since been demonstrated across various cultures and communities, including descendants of refugees (Sangalang & Vang, 2017), Native Americans who were forced to attend residential schools (Brave Heart, 2003) and African Americans who experienced generations of slavery, segregation, and institutionalized racism (Degruy, 2005).

The term was first acknowledged in 1988, when a study (Sigal et al., 1988) of Holocaust survivors found that they were overrepresented in psychiatric referrals by 300%. Examples of this include generations that have been exposed to discrimination, oppression, violence, sexual abuse, accidental deaths, and suicide.

Traumatic events are often perpetrated by outside sources rather than within the family itself. The term intergenerational trauma, also known as trans- or multigenerational trauma, occurs when a traumatic event takes place to either an individual, family, or collective community and gets passed down to subsequent generations. These include historical and intergenerational traumas. In addition, there are forms of trauma that are perhaps less understood or explored. There are also more complex forms of trauma including more repeated or chronic traumatic events (e.g., ongoing neglect, abuse).

Trauma is an umbrella term and can often be referred to as a single traumatic event (e.g., an assault, natural disaster, car accident).

INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF TRAUMA THEORY MOVIE

Nate Postlethwait), to movie hits like Encanto, to comedians like Kat P (latest Netflix special), everyone is talking about how trauma can trickle down from one generation to the next in both subtle and very powerful ways. Breaking the cycle of trauma by healing for our ancestorsīy now, you have probably heard the expression “to stop the cycle” (of generational trauma, abuse).

Intergenerational transmission of trauma theory