Exploring the Transference of Trauma Through Generations
The idea that trauma can be transmitted across generations — originating with long-dead relatives and passed down to future great-grandchildren — can be a difficult concept to grasp.
But with regular news of mass shootings, COVID deaths, police killings, and climate disasters, a growing number of therapists and their patients, particularly among the millennial and Gen Z cohorts, are turning their attention to the far-reaching impact of trauma, both past and present.
Shedding Light on Intergenerational Trauma in Popular Media
The Oscar-winning film "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and television shows such as "Transparent" have grappled with how trauma trickles down in families. Popular nonfiction books like "What Happened to You?" by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry have taken the concept of intergenerational trauma from the ivory tower to the general public, according to Sandra Mattar, a clinical psychologist and specialist in trauma-informed therapy.
Increased Interest in Intergenerational Trauma among Medical Professionals
The medical community has taken note of the significance of intergenerational trauma. In April, over 100 psychiatrists, psychologists, medical residents, and other physicians gathered virtually for a Boston Medical Center "Grand Rounds" education event focused on this topic. Sandra Mattar, who led the session, believes that trauma is at the core of many mental health problems. She is also the director of training at the Immigrant and Refugee Health Center at Boston Medical Center.
Unraveling the Complexity of Intergenerational Trauma
Experts suggest that while trauma can be passed through generations, so can resilience. However, tapping into that resilience often requires a deeper understanding of the original source of the trauma and the routes of transmission through families and society.
Trauma in the Genes
Intergenerational trauma can stem from biology, learned behaviors, and even the collective experiences of a group. Research indicates that trauma can affect a person's DNA and potentially influence the health of future generations far removed from the traumatic event.
Studies have explored the impact of the Holocaust on survivors and their children. Researchers analyzed blood samples of individuals who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust and compared them with those of Jews living outside Europe during the war. Through molecular analyses, researchers found changes in the activity of specific DNA segments involved in regulating the stress response among mothers exposed to the Holocaust. Surprisingly, their children, who were not directly exposed, also showed these changes.
While the implications of this research are not yet conclusive, they suggest that environmental wounds inflicted on one generation may be transmitted to the next. Rachel Yehuda, director of the Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, emphasizes the intriguing molecular signals associated with intergenerational trauma.
The Transference of Anxiety and Worldviews
It is not the traumatic experience itself that is passed on but rather the anxiety and worldview of the survivors. According to Ed Tronick, a developmental and clinical psychologist, children are like anxiety detectors. They intuitively sense and adapt to their parents' fears and anxieties. For example, the great-great-grandchildren of enslaved people may experience the anxiety their parents feel about the danger of sending them out into the community, even at a young age.
Impact of Abuse Across Generations
Studies have demonstrated that an abusive childhood can profoundly affect future generations. Researchers interviewed participants from the Nurses' Health Study about the levels of abuse they experienced during childhood, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The results showed a lasting toll on the mental health of the women's children. Compared to children whose mothers had not endured severe abuse, the children of women who experienced abuse had higher rates of depression, including chronic depression.
Trauma's Lasting Imprint
Bessel van der Kolk, author of the best-selling book "The Body Keeps the Score," characterizes trauma not only as an event in the past but also as something that leaves a lasting imprint on the mind, brain, and body. The ways in which children adjust themselves to their parents' behavior can be indicative of intergenerational trauma. For instance, if a mother freezes in response to her child's laughter, the child learns not to laugh in front of the mother.
Collective Trauma
"Collective" intergenerational trauma and "racial trauma" refer to the psychological distress passed through generations as a result of historic events, such as colonization, slavery, and other forms of oppression. This type of trauma extends beyond individuals and families and becomes a shared experience among a particular group.
For example, the descendants of the 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals who were detained in incarceration camps during World War II can still experience the psychological effects of that trauma today. The manifestations of collective trauma can include heightened anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other mental and emotional health problems.
Coping with Generational Trauma
Addressing generational trauma often requires a holistic approach. Here are some strategies recommended by experts:
Building Awareness: The first step is to develop awareness of the impact of past trauma on one's current beliefs and behaviors. Understanding how parents and previous generations have influenced one's worldview is essential for healing.
Mind-Body Therapy: Somatic or body-based therapies, such as yoga, have proven effective in trauma treatment. Expressive arts therapies, including movement, music, and visual arts, are also valuable tools for helping individuals find more adaptive ways to cope.
Reframing: Challenging and reframing damaging narratives is crucial for healing. By rewriting negative self-perceptions with more positive and compassionate narratives, individuals can begin to overcome the effects of intergenerational trauma.
Breaking the Cycle: Even individuals who did not experience nurturing parenting can overcome this history by consciously adopting positive parenting strategies with their own children.
Activism: Directly addressing the sources of trauma through activism and advocacy can be empowering and contribute to overcoming its grip.
Open Dialogue: Encouraging open dialogue about trauma within families is important. Integrating the trauma into the family's narrative and dispelling associated shame can facilitate healing.
Conclusion
The impact of intergenerational trauma is profound and far-reaching. Understanding its mechanisms and effects is crucial for individuals, families, and communities to break free from its cycle. By acknowledging the transference of trauma, promoting resilience, and implementing effective coping strategies, it is possible to heal and build a better future for generations to come.
