Parent’s unresolved trauma has been associated with insecure attachment to their children (Iyengar, 2014, p.1).Īttachment is a behavioral system through which humans regulate their emotions when under threat (Herum, 2013, p.3 Sigelman & Rider, 2018, p.440). (2014) put it, “ A mother’s unresolved trauma may interfere with her ability to sensitively respond to her infant, thus affecting the development of attachment to her own child, and potentially contributing to the intergenerational transmission of trauma” (p.1). This connection becomes a lifelong model for all subsequent relationships. Attachment theory is a cognitive theory about the development of mental models of intimate relationships (Sigelman & Rider, 2018, p.441). John Bowlby’s attachment theory explains as a neurobiological system originating from an infant’s connection to the primary caretaker. As Corey describes, “emotional problems will be transmitted from generation to generation until unresolved emotional attachments are dealt with” (p.407). Bowen’s theory provides a conceptual understanding of how an individual’s functioning may be affected by family members through generations. This theory, known as Bowen family systems theory (BFST) is sometimes known as multigenerational family therapy and it explains how potent relational forces ensure survival and facilitate less anxious physiological states crucial to wellness (Corey, 2013, p.406-408). Murray Bowen formulated a theory of natural systems. Based on his clinical observations of families, the hypotheses he made about these observations, and knowledge from the biological and evolutionary sciences as developed at the time of his writing, psychiatrist and researcher Family System Several theoretical approaches support the theory of intergenerational trauma and provide a rationale for how trauma may be transmitted. (2009), trauma theory gained significance and credibility largely as a result of Vietnam Veterans who were willing to share their experiences, and “it represents a fundamental shift in thinking from the supposition that those who have experienced psychological trauma are either “sick” or deficient in moral character to the reframe that they are “injured” and in need of healing “(p.6). Untreated traumatic stress has serious consequences for children, adults, and families. However, not all families carry the burden of what happened generations ago, some families are more resilient than others and are able to acknowledge the past while looking toward the future (Goodman, 2013, p.389 Herum, 2013, p.3).Īccording to Rich et al. These histories are complex in that every generation seems to be affected by adversity, mental health issues, substance use, and some governmental agency involvement. Trauma can be defined as experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing, and that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope (Rich et al., 2009, p4). Many families enter the therapeutic setting with complex trauma histories. Much of the research surrounding intergenerational trauma emerged from the study of Holocaust survivors in the late 1960s (Goodman, 2013, p.388 Rich et al., 2009, p.5).
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In addition, researchers are also exploring how the body itself may serve as a vehicle through epigenetics (2).Intergenerational trauma also referred to as transgenerational or multigenerational trauma refers to the specific experience of trauma across familial generations.
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While these messages may have helped protect earlier generations, they can cause later generations to have a fearful and distrustful outlook on life and towards helping professionals, further alienating the support that is needed to overcome the aftermath of the trauma itself. “don’t ask for help, it’s dangerous”) that may be taught and passed on from one generation to the next (1). When parents live under oppressive circumstances, for example, they can develop “survival messages” (e.g. Trauma itself can contribute to poverty, compromised parenting, diminished attachment, chronic stress, and unstable living environments, which can directly impact children and their development.Įlena Cherepanov, a trauma psychologist, examines how survivors’ initial reactions to an event can affect future generations. What’s less clear is how this trauma is actually transmitted from one generation to the next.