![]() Like most things, there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer or approach to the question, “Do I have intergenerational trauma?” And because it’s almost impossible to trace the exact moment the trauma took root, we can only look at the symptoms. The trauma inflicted from the past is not something to simply “get over ” it’s quite literally ingrained in your biology. And a 2018 review revealed a link between intergenerational trauma and heightened levels of depression. Studies continue to explore this phenomenon, but data suggests that trauma from past generations can alter gene expressions generations later. What’s in your genes?Īn area of science called epigenetics studies how your (and your parents’) experiences and environment influence gene expression. The cycle starts with the initial agonizing event but then perpetuates through victims’ learned behaviours and parenting styles–resulting in transgenerational impacts.īut it’s more than just a child’s environment that determines the extent to which the trauma will influence their life (and if it’ll impact generations to come) it can also be seen on a biological level. It’s generally agreed that children absorb their parents’ unresolved tension, feelings, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and trauma. While the exact event that triggers intergenerational trauma might be difficult to pinpoint, residuals are often seen in family patterns. We can point fingers at colonialism for inciting the racialized discrimination and systemic oppression we still see today. Specifically, descendants of Indigenous peoples forced to attend residential schools and African Americans who have been the victims of generations of slavery, segregation, and institutionalized racism are most likely to experience this type of cyclical trauma. Since then, we have seen intergenerational trauma impacting various cultures and communities, including descendants of refugees and Black and Indigenous populations. These children experienced the effects of genocide, displacement, and various forms of trauma years after their parents survived the initial atrocities. Researchers found significant impacts on the mental health and cortisol levels of the children of survivors despite never having been through the Holocaust themselves. The term “intergenerational trauma” was first coined after scientists conducted a study on Holocaust survivors in 1988. When whole cultural groups experience trauma and are victims of systemic oppression, this is a specific branch of intergenerational trauma called historical trauma. The American Psychological Association defines intergenerational trauma as “a phenomenon in which the descendants of a person who has experienced a terrifying event show adverse emotional and behavioural reactions to the event that are similar to those of the person himself or herself.” This trauma may result from one victim’s experience (such as abuse, violence, etc.) or an entire group of people. Trauma doesn’t just impact the person who experiences it–it can hold tight through ancestral lines and show up decades, even centuries, later. ![]() Residuals of past atrocities show up both in our current behaviours and biology. We know the systemic injustices many underrepresented groups experienced generations ago didn’t simply stop when laws changed, and neither did the harm inflicted upon them. Not just from a geographical perspective but also from a trauma perspective. Like many of our societal issues, colonialism has significantly influenced the generations of today. But it isn’t necessarily as euphoric as it sounds. ![]() You’re the product of dreams thought up centuries before you took your first breath. In addition to that reality, every single one of your ancestors’ experiences and choices (or lack of choices) resulted in you. ![]() You likely already know that your parents influence both your physical appearance and behaviours. But how often do we wonder about how their lives impact us today? Or how the trauma our ancestors experienced four, five, or even seven generations ago affects us and generations after us? Of course, it’s exciting to see our lineage and better understand our personal history. Recently, people have become fascinated with companies that can track our ancestry and DNA. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |