Unraveling the Threads of Intergenerational Trauma: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms

Rebecca Leon, MHC-LP

Trauma can be an intricate web that spans generations, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of individuals and families. Research suggests that a person’s current response to trauma may be rooted in past experiences they were not present for initially. This experience is known as intergenerational trauma, which refers to the transfer of psychological and emotional wounds from one generation to the next. While it may not be visible on the surface, the effects of this trauma can be profound.

How Intergenerational Trauma is Passed Down

Trauma can be transmitted in many ways –from genetics to living conditions. Over the years, many experts have tried to pinpoint the exact way trauma is passed down. The term intergenerational trauma was first introduced by psychiatrist Vivian Rakoff in his 1966 paper on children of Holocaust survivors. Some experts in the medical community attributed intergenerational trauma to the stress of living with a traumatized person who was still reliving horrific events. Others attributed intergenerational trauma to children becoming “containers” for their parents’ unwanted pain (Boland, 2022).

In the 1990s, researchers began to look at the biological mechanisms of intergenerational trauma via epigenetics, the study of how behaviors and environment cause changes that affect our genes. A 2018 review suggests that children may be influenced by exposure to parental trauma that occurred before they were born and even prior to their conception (Boland, 2022).

Ultimately, research suggests that trauma can be passed down in various ways, including:

• DNA modifications

• in utero

• memory

• cultural messages and conditioning

• cultural patterns

• cumulative emotional wounding

• dominant family narratives

• normalization of hatred, cruelty, and dehumanization toward others

• parents ignoring or not coping with their trauma

• aggressions and micro-aggressions (Boland, 2022)

For example, a great-grandmother who was placed in a concentration camp in Germany may have learned to cope with adversity by "cutting off" her emotions. Because of this, she may interact with her family in an emotionally distant manner (Duke, n.d). Growing up with this behavior modeled to them, the children of this great-grandmother may also interact with their families in an emotionally distant way. The transmission of this historical trauma may begin to negatively affect the great-grandmother’s descendants down to her great-grandchildren and beyond, leading to generations of emotional distance, defensive behaviors around expression of emotions, and denial (Duke, n.d.). We all inherit pain to some degree, and when that pain is not coped with, it gets passed down (Boland, 2022).

Who Can Experience Intergenerational Trauma?

While anyone can experience intergenerational trauma, people from marginalized groups, such as People of Color, may have more pronounced experiences with this phenomenon. Those who are descendants of people who have experienced violence from living in war zones and other hardships — such as World War II, effects of the Cold War, the Vietnam War, or conflicts in the Middle East — may also be more likely to experience intergenerational trauma (Boland, 2022).

Intergenerational trauma is a complex phenomenon, and it is important to understand its impact on the lives of individuals, communities, and families. Below are some signs of intergenerational trauma and how it can impact individuals, especially within BIPOC and other marginalized communities.

1. Unexplained Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Dysregulation:

Those affected by intergenerational trauma might experience symptoms similar to post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including hypervigilance, anxiety, and mood dysregulation. However, because the individual did not directly experience the trauma, they will not experience flashbacks or intrusive memories, which is more common in PTSD. Instead, they may experience trauma symptoms and responses from events that did not occur to them; rather, the response is inherited genetically (Marschall, 2022).

Individuals who have experienced trauma in their family history may find themselves overwhelmed by emotions, even in seemingly ordinary situations. These feelings can stem from inherited coping mechanisms and an innate sense of hypervigilance passed down through generations. As a result, individuals impacted by intergenerational trauma may experience anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, shame, low self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, difficulty in regulating aggression, and extreme reactivity to stress (Boland, 2022).

2. Chronic Health Issues:

Intergenerational trauma can manifest itself not only in mental health but also in physical health conditions. Studies suggest that trauma experienced by ancestors may contribute to an increased risk of developing chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The medical community consistently discusses how Black Americans have a higher likelihood of chronic diseases and cancer, often with the solution including a better diet and accompanying exercise. Movement and healthy eating habits are undoubtedly helpful for everyone, and barriers to accessing tools for wellness are also highlighted within these studies and conversations. However, the direct connection between intergenerational trauma, which is often exacerbated by the chronic stress of discrimination, and these health conditions often goes unnamed (Boland, 2022).

The connection between intergenerational trauma and chronic health conditions was highlighted in a 1997 study. The study demonstrated the connection between descendants of those affected by Japanese American internment camps and cardiovascular disease. More recent findings on disparities of COVID-19 contraction within Black and Indigenous communities also demonstrate this connection (Boland, 2022). While genetics play a role, the impact of intergenerational trauma on one’s overall well-being should not be overlooked.

3. Substance Abuse and Addictive Behaviors:

Engaging in substance abuse or addictive behaviors is another possible outcome of intergenerational trauma. Individuals may turn to drugs, alcohol, or other addictive substances to self-medicate to numb emotional pain (Raypole, 2022). The patterns of substance abuse can be passed down through generations, perpetuating a cycle that requires intervention to break.

4. Relationship and Attachment Issues:

Intergenerational trauma can significantly impact one’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships (Boland, 2022). Individuals may struggle to connect with others and establish trust, intimacy, and vulnerability, fearing that they will experience the same pain and betrayal suffered by their ancestors. These challenges can manifest as difficulties with emotional expression, fear of abandonment, or patterns of abusive behavior (Raypole, 2022).

5. Cultural and Identity Conflicts:

The repercussions of intergenerational trauma can extend beyond individual experiences and permeate cultural and collective identities. Communities and groups that have experienced historical trauma may grapple with a deep-rooted sense of loss, discrimination, and marginalization. As a result, cultural identity conflicts can arise, leading individuals to question their heritage, struggle with a sense of belonging, or navigate conflicting narratives.

Healing From Intergenerational Trauma

After learning about intergenerational trauma, you may be left wondering how to prevent the cycle from continuing. Thankfully, there are many ways to address and heal from trauma and prevent it from being passed down to future generations. Acknowledging the signs and symptoms is an important place to start. Once you can name and accept these experiences, you can begin to address them (Raypole, 2022). It is important to seek help from a mental health professional. A trauma-informed therapist can help you begin to heal by listening to your experiences, sharing insight into trauma responses, and offering guidance for identifying possible coping skills and sources of support (Raypole, 2022).

Certain types of therapy that are effective for addressing trauma may show promise for those with intergenerational trauma (Boland, 2022), such as:

• Psychoanalysis

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). 

• Somatic therapy

• Internal family systems (IFS)

• Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)

• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)

Intergenerational trauma is a complex phenomenon that can cast a long shadow over the lives of individuals and families. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding their roots is essential to healing and breaking the cycle. By seeking support, engaging in therapy, and fostering resilience, individuals and families can begin to untangle the threads of trauma and pave the way for a brighter, more hopeful future.

Sources

Boland, M. (2022). How Intergenerational Trauma Impacts Families. PsychCentral.
Duke. (n.d.). Inter-generational Trauma: 6 Ways It Affects Families. Duke
Marschall, A. (2022). What Is Intergenerational Trauma? VeryWellMind.
Raypole, C. (2022). Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Its Effects. Healthline.