Intergenerational trauma, also known as transgenerational or multigenerational trauma, refers to the transmission of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next. This can manifest in various ways, such as symptoms, reactions, patterns, and emotional and psychological effects. These effects are not limited to just parents and grandparents but can include previous generations as well.
When living with chronic stress or having gone through a traumatic event, individuals may develop responses aimed at survival, otherwise known as trauma responses. While these responses can be beneficial in the short term, constantly being in a state of “survival mode” can have negative consequences on both physical and mental health. In fact, adaptations made by the brain to ensure safety for oneself and their family may be passed down to future generations and prove difficult to unlearn.
However, this constant state of fear and scarcity may hinder one’s ability to thrive. A sense of safety and security is necessary for flourishing but unfortunately may not be readily available for those affected by intergenerational trauma. Anxiety about potential future traumas can also cause individuals who have experienced trauma to struggle with remaining calm in objectively safe situations, further exacerbating their trauma response.
One’s upbringing may have involved being raised in a household where parents frequently expressed anger through yelling and shouting. This behavior could be traced back to unresolved trauma and pain within the family. To fully comprehend intergenerational trauma, it is crucial to acknowledge the struggles of previous generations that may have contributed to this cycle of yelling and shouting. Due to ongoing stressors and historical oppression, these ancestors may not have had the necessary resources or support to communicate kindly and lovingly with their children. Yelling may have been their way of coping with survival or a learned behavior from their own parents. Consequently, this pattern of intergenerational trauma can result in descendants also resorting to yelling as a means of expressing unresolved stress and trauma towards their own children.
Intergenerational trauma can cause symptoms similar to PTSD, such as hypervigilance, anxiety, and mood dysregulation. However, there may not be flashbacks or intrusive memories since the individual did not directly experience the trauma. Instead, these symptoms and responses are inherited genetically. This type of trauma can also lead to medical issues like heart disease, stroke, or premature death due to stress reactions. Unfortunately, when a parent has a history of childhood abuse or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), it can affect their parenting and perpetuate the cycle of abuse and trauma in future generations. In addition to racial trauma and systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma can also stem from other forms of oppression. Studies have shown that this type of trauma can have lasting effects on populations for multiple generations following a collective traumatic event, such as survivors of refugee camps, residential schools, and the Holocaust.
In spite of research differing and no definitive number being known at present, it is estimated that humans have more than 25,000 genes in their DNA. The manifestation of our genes in our bodies is called epigenetics, which determines everything from how we look to the diseases we may be predisposed to. When we are born, we activate certain genes to adapt to our environment. Trauma triggers our DNA to activate genes that aid in survival. These genes, responsible for responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, help us handle dangerous situations. This trait is passed down to our offspring in an effort to prepare them for future traumas.
Although our genetics may not always bring us joy, they excel at keeping us safe. While these genes are well-equipped to handle stressful events, the constant vigilance can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Our body’s response to this perpetual state of readiness can lead to heightened stress levels and negatively impact our health. Essentially, the very codes that enabled our ancestors to endure challenging circumstances are now being carried forward through generations as a survival mechanism. While this innate resilience is beneficial in times of crisis, it can also cause additional stress in daily life due to its constant activation.
Research suggests that intergenerational trauma can continue for several generations without additional trauma, yet children of parents with higher ACEs scores are more likely to face their own adverse childhood experiences. If you have been affected by intergenerational trauma, seeking therapy and implementing trauma-informed interventions can assist in managing your symptoms, comprehending the effects of this type of trauma, and providing you with the necessary tools to break ingrained patterns and heal yourself as well as future generations. Trauma-informed care can even aid in regulating your body’s physical reactions, regardless of whether you have direct memories of the traumatic events.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of trauma, even if they are inherited rather than personal, in order to cope and seek support. There are many resources available to help people deal with trauma, both personal and intergenerational. Despite the fact that you may not have personal memories of intergenerational trauma, trauma-informed care can help you manage your body’s physiological response.
Creating a conducive environment and providing necessary tools, resources, and support can effectively heal intergenerational trauma. This inherited trauma, which can be passed down for multiple generations, can be addressed on physical, emotional, mental, cellular, and ancestral levels. Even in the presence of ongoing stressors, healing is possible with proper care and attention to symptoms and their root causes.
To prevent future traumas and promote healing for those impacted by intergenerational trauma, it is crucial for trauma survivors and individuals living with this type of trauma to receive support and access to resources. Educating providers, teachers, and parents, as well as addressing systemic issues that contribute to trauma in marginalized communities, are essential steps toward this goal. Understanding how intergenerational trauma affects individuals who have not personally experienced traumatic events is key to treating current intergenerational trauma and preventing its recurrence.
