What is generational trauma or intergenerational trauma?
Generational trauma refers to the pain experienced across multiple generations within a specific group. It goes beyond individual families and affects larger communities, leaving a mark on their psyche. It is often rooted in historical events such as wars, the Holocaust, or forced displacement, where individuals witness their cultural heritage erode or their ancestral connections severed.
According to Dr Bhasker Malu, Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, OP Jindal Global University, “Most trauma comes from personal experience, but there is an increasing number of people who have intergenerational trauma. Though recognition of intergenerational is growing, research is still limited and in a nascent stage. There are different methods by which these experiences are explored and assessed, but limited consensus between these different methods exist to figure out whether the trauma is intergenerational or not."
“While there is no systematic method of assessing generational trauma, one of the places where these experiences are specifically spoken about are during psychotherapy. Clinical psychologists take case history and then figure out that the trauma may be emerging from a generational lens. The manual that we use, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, often known as the DSM, explains symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it does not have intergenerational trauma as a specific disorder yet. Experts, however, believe that it exists and should be added in the revised edition.”
Groups that have faced discrimination and racism in the past often carry the weight of traumatic experiences. While the initial generation directly encounters these struggles, subsequent generations inevitably inherit the fears from their parents, even when the immediate source of fear no longer exists. The first generation passes on their fears, leading to overprotectiveness, fearfulness and anxiety in the subsequent generation. As a result, the children become hyper-vigilant and anxious, mirroring their parents' behaviour.
“This is how intergenerational trauma is experienced. It's important to note that trauma isn't only psychological; it can also manifest physically. Studies have shown that African-Americans, due to enduring systemic racism, have higher blood pressure as a result of intergenerational trauma. But there is no diagnosis for it, simply because the expression of trauma and that of intergenerational trauma are similar. What gets overlooked, though, is that the sources and experiences are different.” Dr Malu adds.
Ways to recognise if someone is experiencing generational trauma
There is no way to find out if a certain trauma is individualistic or generational. However, by tuning in and showing empathy, we can start supporting those grappling with generational trauma in a more relatable and compassionate way. Seeking the guidance of a therapist or counsellor who specialises in trauma can also be helpful.
Dr Malu adds, “It is difficult because trauma itself is expressed in multiple ways. You may see people with psychological issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD or those with physical expressions, such as high blood pressure or cardiac problems. So, if someone is a victim of racism or discrimination, then that individual will experience trauma, and would be careful around groups that are threatening to them. They may avoid places with these individuals, which may result in social anxiety, especially if they are in a region where they are a minority. But the cause remains similar across the group. Now, their child may grow up elsewhere and never face discrimination, but they may pick up on these behaviours and feel anxious in social situations too.”
According to studies, common indicators may include chronic anxiety, fear, hypervigilance, avoidance of certain topics, self-destructive behaviours, difficulties forming healthy relationships and physical ailments. Identifying these signs allows us to begin the journey of understanding and addressing the underlying trauma.
Dealing with generational trauma
According to Dr Malu, acceptance of the fact that one is going through a trauma and working through it in therapy is the best course of action.
“If the trauma and its cause are more immediate, then you'll be encouraged to deal with the problem in therapy. If it's something in the past, you may have to deal with it more emotionally.” he adds.
Psychologists advise that one needs to take care of themselves by doing things that bring them joy and help them relax. Activities like exercising and spending time in nature could help. It is crucial to break the cycle by fostering healthier relationships and open communication within your family. And remember, healing takes time and progress can be gradual, but with patience and perseverance, you can overcome generational trauma.
How can parents stop passing it to their children
Dr Malu says that parents first need to be aware that they are going through a traumatic situation and that it's affecting their daily behaviour. “It’s important to recognise that they need to process the trauma as well. Then they can seek help, monitor their behaviour, and that awareness will help them manage this emotion,” he adds. If they don’t recognise it in themselves, it becomes impossible to not pass it on to their kids.
Dr. Malu concludes that theoretically, we know for a fact that children pick up on parents’ behaviour. But we don't know how much of it is affected by genes and how much by observation.
“While I acknowledge that the field of mental health still has many unanswered questions when it comes to intergenerational trauma, there is growing recognition that these experiences need to be understood and addressed. What we do know is that being mindful and aware of our own behaviour is important and if something seems maladaptive, then seeking help is the best way forward.”
