![cycle of intergenerational trauma cycle of intergenerational trauma](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*kSsRqt2Ow55oao9darNb2g.png)
It is essential for those affected to take an active role in their healing process and seek professional help if needed. When dealing with generational trauma, it is important to understand the various strategies and treatments available to manage symptoms and heal from this type of trauma.
![cycle of intergenerational trauma cycle of intergenerational trauma](https://lindsaybraman.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2022/02/lb-intergenerational.trauma-mockup-download-set-347x347.jpg)
For example, a family could have genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that have influenced the impact of trauma on their family over generations. This can also contribute to and perpetuate generational trauma over time.Īlso, intergenerational trauma includes multiple areas of traumatic influence. This means that even if someone hasn’t experienced a traumatic event personally, they may still be affected by it through their family’s culture and beliefs.Ĭultural influences also can affect a family’s parenting style. Lastly, cultural influences can affect how intergenerational trauma is passed down from one generation to the next.Ī family’s culture can shape their outlook on life and how they react to certain events or stressful situations they encounter throughout their lives. Children learn that this is how they should express frustration and anger, which can lead to the abuse of their children later in life. Often, abusive behavior is used to handle stress and emotional issues. Unstable family dynamics, including divorce, abandonment, abuse, neglectĪn example of an environmental factor causing intergenerational trauma would be abuse in the home.Absorbing beliefs related to the trauma.Exposure to heightened levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.Living in households with parents or grandparents who have experienced traumatic events.Social isolation caused by discrimination or exclusion.Generational trauma is also influenced by environmental and social factors. While the exact mechanism is unknown, research suggests that a traumatic experience and its associated memories can become embedded into an individual’s DNA over time. Traumatic experiences can change how genes are expressed, which can be passed down from parent to child. Epigenetics:Įpigenetics can also play a role in passing down trauma from generation to generation. This suggests that trauma can be transmitted to subsequent generations at a genetic level during pregnancy. Genetic transmission of trauma has been documented in studies on Holocaust survivors and their descendants, who showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) despite never having experienced the event. Here is a breakdown of each of the common influential factors of this trauma: Genetics: Generational trauma is often passed down through genetics, epigenetics, and environmental, social, and cultural influences.