Echoes From the Past: Understanding the Complex Web of Transgenerational Trauma

Mimi as a baby

My mom was an alcoholic, and my father was a chain smoker and now I’m struggling to quit both. I dunno if this goes back generationally speaking, but now I know that, my personal trauma coupled with the ones I inherited from my lineage can influence the psychological well-being and behaviors of my children and potentially grandchildren. Facts! But not on my watch. “When you know better, do better”- Maya Angelou.

New research in the field of epigenetics suggests trauma can be passed on from generation to generation. While the underlying DNA sequence remains unchanged, the way genes are activated or silenced can be altered by environmental factors, including traumatic experiences. The concept of passing on trauma from one generation to another is known as transgenerational trauma or intergenerational trauma. In this article, I share personal anecdotes of the factors that contribute to transgenerational trauma and why you should be concerned.

1. Addiction: Understanding the genetic factors associated with addiction helped me become compassionate to myself whenever I fell off the bandwagon. Individuals with a family history of addiction may benefit from targeted prevention efforts, and early intervention can be crucial in mitigating the risk of developing a substance use disorder.

The good news is there is no single “addiction gene,” however, different substances may have distinct genetic influences. So while genetics alone do not determine whether someone will develop an addiction, they can play a role in influencing an individual’s susceptibility to substance abuse.

2. Attachment and Parenting Styles: Growing up, asking questions or seeking clarification from my father was considered disrespectful. My father grew up on the training that children don’t speak when elders are speaking so he felt challenged by my questions. Despite this expected reaction, I got the notoriety for being the rebellious one because I was the courageous one who asked the difficult questions, and I got punished for it each time. As a result, I don’t have a relationship with my father. My father experienced trauma as a young boy living with his step- mother. At 69, he still struggles to form healthy relations with his children. It is usually awkward and sometimes uncomfortable to talk to him.

Allowing children the opportunity to ask questions creates a window of opportunity to ingrain life lessons by sharing the learnings from any of life’s bad outcomes. But because adults know what they are doing is wrong, it’s shameful for them to create spaces for the self ridicule. Effective communication is key to building resilience and breaking generational trauma patterns in young people.

Victims of abuse often find themselves caught in a vicious cycle, where the trauma endured becomes a blueprint for their own behaviors and relationships. Without intervention, this pattern can be perpetuated through generations, with abusive behaviors being learned and transmitted within families. Children brought up in such an environment may internalize the effects of their parents’ trauma. For this reason, it is very important to communicate effectively with children, speak to them as if they are discerning adults. This level of respect creates a safe environment for children to find self-expression.

3. Learned Behaviors and Coping Mechanisms: My coping mechanism whenever I suffered from domestic violence, mental and emotional abuse as a child was to forget the activity that led to the pain. Now, generally I’m forgetful of past events or cannot seem to orient myself to the fine details of various occurrences. Individuals who have experienced trauma may develop certain coping mechanisms and behavioral patterns to navigate their challenges. These coping strategies, whether adaptive or maladaptive, can be learned by the next generation through observation and imitation. In this way, the impact of trauma is perpetuated through learned behaviors for decades.

4. Cultural and Collective Trauma: Trauma experienced by a community, or a culture can also be transmitted across generations. Historical events, such as wars, natural disasters, systemic oppression or displacement can leave lasting imprints on the collective psyche of a group. The initial trauma experienced is profound, encompassing fear, loss, and the upheaval of everyday life. The effects of such collective trauma may be evident in cultural practices, beliefs, and narratives passed down through generations. The trauma inflicted during slavery and subsequent eras, including Jim Crow laws and institutionalized racism, left an indelible mark on the psyche of Black Americans. Families were torn apart, identities were suppressed, and the brutality of slavery became a haunting legacy that transcended generations.

It’s important to note that not all individuals who experience trauma pass it on to the next generation, and the transmission of trauma is a complex and nuanced process. Supportive relationships, interventions, open communication, and a deeper understanding of family history can contribute to healing and breaking the patterns of intergenerational trauma. If you can afford therapy, do so otherwise, join me as I meditate, affirm and write my way through my healing journey.