However, what works for one person may not be the same as what works for another, and there may not be a one-size-fits-all therapy modality for addressing intergenerational trauma.įor those who find it supportive, therapy may help individuals process traumatic experiences or develop strategies for managing their effects. Therapy is one resource with this goal in mind. While intergenerational trauma may have various potential effects, it could be possible for those affected to manage its symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Therapy As A Tool For Managing Intergenerational Trauma Mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.Reduced ability to manage emotions or make decisions.Those affected by intergenerational trauma may also experience effects like: If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. For some, intergenerational trauma may manifest with symptoms similar to symptoms of PTSD, such as:

The symptoms of intergenerational trauma may vary depending on the form of trauma, how many generations it spans, individual coping skills, and other factors. Getty/Vadym Pastukh What Are The Possible Effects Of Intergenerational Trauma? This pattern could theoretically repeat itself when the children of trauma survivors grow up and have children of their own, potentially leading to a cycle of intergenerational trauma. These effects may influence how their children learn to view and interact with the world, potentially leading to unhealthy coping skills or reduced emotional control. For example, PTSD may impact how parents behave and interact with their children, as the disorder may lead to symptoms like social withdrawal, irritability, emotional distancing, or anger. More direct behavioral and mental health factors may also influence intergenerational trauma. However, the concept of epigenetics is still being studied, and much of the research is in its early stages. For instance, a 2018 study found a higher mortality rate among the sons of fathers who had experienced severe hardship as prisoners of war during the Civil War, indicating that epigenetics may have played a role. The CDC defines epigenetics as the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Epigenetics posits that experiences and other external factors may lead to genetic changes, which may potentially be passed on to one's offspring. These include the direct impacts of trauma on individuals in the family and a concept known as 'epigenetics.' However, several potential causes for trauma being passed down between generations have been proposed.

Research on intergenerational trauma and its potential mechanisms is still evolving. What Are The Causes Of Intergenerational Trauma? Intergenerational trauma may affect those whose parents, grandparents, or ancestors experienced systemic oppression, abuse, natural disasters, or other singular or general forms of trauma. For instance, a 2021 study found that the children of mothers who had adverse childhood experiences were at an increased risk of behavioral problems and depressive symptoms. Some research suggests that a person may experience effects stemming from a traumatic event that happened to their ancestors, even if they did not directly experience it. The idea behind intergenerational trauma is that trauma may continue to have effects on the descendants of those who had a traumatic experience in the past. Other terms that have been associated with this concept include 'transgenerational trauma,' 'multigenerational trauma,' and 'generational trauma.' Intergenerational trauma is a term used to describe the idea that trauma may be passed down from one generation in a family to the next-for example, from a mother to her child. Get Matched With A Licensed Counselor What Is Intergenerational Trauma?

Intergenerational trauma symptoms