Understanding Generational Trauma:
​Impacts & Strategies for Daily Life

Francesca Viera, ASW

Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational or historical trauma, refers to the transmission of the effects of trauma from one generation to another. This phenomenon encompasses a range of psychological and emotional effects that can impact families and communities long after the original trauma has occurred. Understanding and addressing generational trauma is crucial for fostering mental well-being and resilience. This article draws on peer-reviewed research to explore the nature of generational trauma and offers practical strategies for mitigating its negative effects on a day-to-day basis.

​What is Generational Trauma?

Generational trauma involves the transfer of trauma effects through family lines. This transmission can occur through various mechanisms, including:

• Psychological Impact: Traumatic experiences can alter the ways in which individuals perceive and interact with the world. These altered perceptions and coping mechanisms can be passed down to subsequent generations.
• Behavioral Patterns: Families affected by trauma may develop specific behaviors or coping strategies, such as avoidance, substance use, or hypervigilance, which are then adopted by younger generations.
• Biological Factors: Research suggests that trauma can affect genetic expression, potentially influencing how stress responses are managed across generations (Yehuda et al., 2016). Research depicts that trauma can alter biological DNA, through a process called epigenetics, which in turn, can be unintentionally passed down to future generations.

Research Findings on Generational Trauma
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• Historical and Cultural Context: Historical trauma, such as the experiences of Indigenous populations or the descendants of enslaved people, has been extensively documented. These communities often face compounded challenges due to the ongoing effects of historical injustices (Brave Heart, 1998).
• Psychological Implications: Studies indicate that generational trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among descendants of those who experienced the original trauma (Danieli, 1998). This is often compounded by social and economic disadvantages.
• Neurobiological Evidence: Trauma can impact brain development, cortisol levels, and stress response systems, with evidence suggesting that these effects can be passed down through epigenetic mechanisms (Yehuda et al., 2016).

Strategies to Combat the Negative Effects of Generational Trauma
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While the impacts of generational trauma can be profound, there are several strategies individuals and families can adopt to mitigate its effects and foster resilience:

• Promote Awareness and Education:
  • Understanding Trauma: Educating oneself and family members about the nature and effects of generational trauma can be a powerful first step. Knowledge helps in recognizing patterns and understanding the origins of certain behaviors or emotional responses (Keller, 2016).
  • Cultural Competency: Engage with cultural resources and support networks that are familiar with the specific historical and cultural contexts of your family or community. 
• Encourage Open Communication:
  • Family Dialogues: Foster open discussions within families about past traumas and their impacts. This can help in addressing unspoken issues and breaking the cycle of silence, while improving communication and fostering familial closeness (McCormick, 2020).
  • Therapeutic Conversations: Professional therapy, especially family or trauma-focused therapy, can provide a structured environment for exploring and processing trauma (Herman, 1992).
• Develop Coping Strategies:
  • Mindfulness and Self-Care: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, cooking, or journaling, which can help in managing stress and emotional responses. Self-care routines are vital in maintaining mental health and resilience. Adequate self-care looks like prioritizing your nutrition, physical activity, and sleep!
  • Healthy Boundaries: Establish and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships to prevent the perpetuation of trauma-related behaviors.
• Strengthen Support Networks:
  • Community Resources: Utilize community resources such as support groups or counseling services that specialize in trauma. These networks provide emotional support and practical advice (Parker et al., 2017).
  • Building Connections: Strengthen positive relationships and build supportive social networks that foster a sense of belonging and security. Try joining a new club, creative group, or starting your own monthly gatherings.
• Promote Resilience and Positive Development:
  • Fostering Strengths: Focus on building personal and familial strengths. Encourage activities and behaviors that enhance self-efficacy and resilience (Ungar, 2013).
  • Positive Parenting: Implement parenting strategies that emphasize positive reinforcement and emotional support, which can help in breaking the cycle of trauma transmission (Perry, 2006).

​Conclusion

​Generational trauma can have far-reaching effects, but understanding its nature and adopting proactive strategies can significantly improve mental health and well-being. By promoting awareness, encouraging open communication, developing effective coping strategies, and strengthening support networks, individuals and families can address the impacts of generational trauma and foster resilience in daily life for generations to come.
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Book Recommendations:
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing 
Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel Van Der Kolk

It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle
Mark Wolynn
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References

• Brave Heart, M. Y. H. (1998). The historic trauma response among natives and its relationship with substance abuse: A Lakota illustration. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 30(1), 7-13.
• Danieli, Y. (1998). International Handbook of Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma. Plenum Press.
• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.
• Keller, A. S. (2016). Intergenerational trauma: A review of the evidence and implications for clinical practice. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 22(3), 244-255.
• McCormick, T. (2020). Healing from intergenerational trauma: A case study approach. Journal of Family Therapy, 42(2), 228-249.
• Parker, G., Hadzi-Pavlovic, D., & Wilhelm, K. (2017). The Role of Support Systems in Trauma Recovery. Oxford University Press.
• Perry, B. D. (2006). The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook. Basic Books.
• Ungar, M. (2013). The Social Ecology of Resilience: A Handbook of Theory and Practice. Springer.
• Yehuda, R., Daskalakis, N. P., & Bierer, L. M. (2016). The role of epigenetics in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 80(7), 563-570.

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