FAMILIES
INTER GENERATIONAL TRAUMA

What is Inter-Generational Trauma? 

Inter-Generational trauma is also called Trans-Generational trauma, 
Historical trauma or Multi-Generational trauma.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines Inter-generational Trauma as follows:  

"A phenomenon in which the descendants of a person who has experienced a terrifying event show adverse emotional and behavioral reactions to the event that are similar to those of the person himself or herself. These reactions vary by generation but often include shame, increased anxiety and guilt, a heightened sense of vulnerability and helplessness, low self-esteem, depression, suicidality, substance abuse, dissociation, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, difficulty with relationships and attachment to others, difficulty in regulating aggression, and extreme reactivity to stress." 

Is Inter Generational Complex Trauma transmitted through Nature or Nurture?

Trans-Generational Trauma - Parental Alienation

Karen Woodall is a Trans-Generational Psychotherapist Treating Parental Alienation. She is a highly experienced psychotherapist and author who has worked with separated families since 1991. 

A publication from World Psychiatry in 2018 states:

"On the simplest level, the concept of inter-generational trauma acknowledges that exposure to extremely adverse events impacts individuals to such a great extent that their offspring find themselves grappling with their parents’ post‐traumatic state."
 A more recent and provocative claim is that..."The experience of trauma, or more accurately the effect of that experience, is “passed” from one generation to the next through non‐genomic, possibly epigenetic mechanisms affecting DNA function or gene transcription"

Does it have to be a terrifying event?

Inter-generational trauma often arises from a series of events not just a single terrifying event.  Inter-generational Trauma Treatment Model states:

"Traumatic experiences in childhood have well-documented negative impacts on child development. Trauma is related to behavioural and emotional difficulties in children (Fletcher, 2003) and to the later development of a variety of adult disorders, including depression, anxiety, health problems and antisocial behaviours" (Felitti et al., 1998; Widom et al., 1997; Widom et al., 2006).

Ironically, these adult outcomes are, in turn, related to greater risk of trauma for the next generation (Whitfield et al., 2003). 
As a result, intergenerational cycles of trauma are unintentionally promoted within the family (Cicchetti et al., 2006; Hughes, 2003; Leifer et al., 2004; Sroufe, 1996; Wiseman et al., 2006).

Does the CANADIAN government acknowledge Inter-generational Trauma?

National & Provincial Recognition
  Federally Canada has recognized Truth and Reconciliation Day as a federal holiday and some Provinces have done the same.  MetiNation.org states:

Truth and Reconciliation Day
"September 30th, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A day to recognize and reflect on the legacy of Residential Schools and the Inter-generational trauma these institutions inflicted upon survivors, their families and communities."

Establishing a day for awareness and reflection was one of the 94 Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and was formally implemented in 2021.

Healing journeys are not linear and while many find guides, they are paths that are taken alone.  While it is your journey, we have maps for certain areas and can help you find guides and other supports.

In addition, some government services, including but not limited to some criminal courts, some child protection agencies, some health authorities, recognize and consider Inter-generational trauma.  In addition, some regulatory agencies and some NGOs recognize and consider Inter-generational Trauma.
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