On Intergenerational Trauma

Is it a thing?

The term "intergenerational trauma" first appeared in the psychiatric literature concerning the offspring of Holocaust survivors. Psychiatrists described behavioral and clinical problems observed in these children. In 1966, Canadian psychiatrist Vivian M. Rakoff and colleagues documented high rates of psychological distress among children of Holocaust survivors. This early research laid the groundwork for the field's understanding of how traumatic experiences can impact not just those who directly experience them but also subsequent generations. For more information, look up the American Psychological Association, which provides a comprehensive overview of this subject. It's worth it if you have the time.

Since its initial focus on the children of Holocaust survivors, the discussion around intergenerational trauma has significantly evolved. It now encompasses a broader understanding of how traumatic experiences can affect subsequent generations in various populations, including Indigenous communities, survivors of war and genocide, and those affected by slavery and colonization. This evolution has been influenced by advances in psychology, neurobiology, and epigenetics, offering a more nuanced understanding of how trauma can impact families and communities over time.

I started out as a skeptic. Now, I'm conflicted. That's progress in the direction of acceptance. It's just that I am a believer in "pull yourself by your bootstraps," so it's hard for me to accept certain behaviors from individuals and population groups that, at least on the surface, appear to be a matter of personal choice and determination. But that's exactly the problem – "on the surface." I recognize that. Hence, I feel conflicted.