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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryCan You Inherit Trauma?
Table of Contents:OverviewEpigenetics Broken DownBreaking the Cycle
PTSDRead Time: 4 Minutes
Published On: August 30, 2019
Updated On: November 3, 2023
OverviewPivotal historic events from centuries past like wars, famines, and genocide can seem far removed from our daily experience. Many believe that what previous generations faced was several lifetimes ago, having little impact on their descendants today. Time and physical proximity may cause you to feel similarly, yet new research suggests that trauma may cross generational lines and affect those that come after us.Intergenerational trauma – or trauma that has the potential to impact future generations of individuals within a family system – has become hotly contested as researchers dive into the field of epigenetics. So what is epigenetics and what does it mean for us today?
Overview
Pivotal historic events from centuries past like wars, famines, and genocide can seem far removed from our daily experience. Many believe that what previous generations faced was several lifetimes ago, having little impact on their descendants today. Time and physical proximity may cause you to feel similarly, yet new research suggests that trauma may cross generational lines and affect those that come after us.
Intergenerational trauma – or trauma that has the potential to impact future generations of individuals within a family system – has become hotly contested as researchers dive into the field of epigenetics. So what is epigenetics and what does it mean for us today?
Epigenetics Broken DownDNA modifications can impact gene activity without changing the actual DNA sequence. The chemical compounds added to single genes that affect their activity are calledepigenetic changes. Because these chemical compounds are attached to the DNA, they remain even as cells divide – that means they can actually be passed down through generations.About 10 years ago, epigenetics emerged as the focal point in astudy of childrenwho were still in the womb during the Dutch Hunger Winter at the end of World War II. Researchers found what they called an “epigenetic signature” on one of their genes, which they linked to health factors later in life.Additional studies followed, includingone on concentration camp survivors, which found that both Holocaust survivors and their children showed epigenetic changes on a gene often linked to stress. Critics of the study, however, were not convinced. They pointed out the small sample size and criticized lead researchers for not extending the analysis to third and fourth generations of descendants of the Holocaust survivors.Studying descendants of war prisonersThe debate continues now with amore recent studyof descendants of Civil War prisoners. These men from the mid-1800s were imprisoned in crowded POW camps where death from dysentery and scurvy were prominent. The study assessed thousands of veterans and their children, reporting that children of abused war prisoners were about 10 percent more likely to die after middle age than their peers.“It’s either the stress of war or the malnutrition of war or both,” epigenetics researcher Randy L. Jirtle, who was not involved in the study, toldThe Atlantic. “The stress on the system moves the machinery to put down or not put down epigenetic markers.”That same researcher said that he thinks the study might help explain why southern U.S. states, which had more severe food shortages in the Civil War era, struggle with obesity and other health issues more than other states.
Epigenetics Broken Down
DNA modifications can impact gene activity without changing the actual DNA sequence. The chemical compounds added to single genes that affect their activity are calledepigenetic changes. Because these chemical compounds are attached to the DNA, they remain even as cells divide – that means they can actually be passed down through generations.
About 10 years ago, epigenetics emerged as the focal point in astudy of childrenwho were still in the womb during the Dutch Hunger Winter at the end of World War II. Researchers found what they called an “epigenetic signature” on one of their genes, which they linked to health factors later in life.
Additional studies followed, includingone on concentration camp survivors, which found that both Holocaust survivors and their children showed epigenetic changes on a gene often linked to stress. Critics of the study, however, were not convinced. They pointed out the small sample size and criticized lead researchers for not extending the analysis to third and fourth generations of descendants of the Holocaust survivors.
Studying descendants of war prisoners
The debate continues now with amore recent studyof descendants of Civil War prisoners. These men from the mid-1800s were imprisoned in crowded POW camps where death from dysentery and scurvy were prominent. The study assessed thousands of veterans and their children, reporting that children of abused war prisoners were about 10 percent more likely to die after middle age than their peers.“It’s either the stress of war or the malnutrition of war or both,” epigenetics researcher Randy L. Jirtle, who was not involved in the study, toldThe Atlantic. “The stress on the system moves the machinery to put down or not put down epigenetic markers.”
That same researcher said that he thinks the study might help explain why southern U.S. states, which had more severe food shortages in the Civil War era, struggle with obesity and other health issues more than other states.
Breaking the Cycle
The science is still young,most caution, with no direct cause-and-effect link. But from concentration camps survivors to combat soldiers or domestic violence cases, we can observe that the effects of different types oftraumacan be passed from generation to generation in some way.
It’s important to know that breaking the cycle of trauma is possible, according to Rachel O’Neill, Ph.D., an Ohio licensed professional clinical counselor and Talkspace provider. O’Neill said that the most successfulindividuals who seek treatmenthave a good understanding of how the trauma has impacted their life. From there, a personalized process can help the individual “reauthor” their life stories to move past the intergenerational trauma.
“Often, it begins with the individual both identifying the impact of the trauma and then taking steps to seek help to cope with it,” she said.
How children can proactively separate themselves
Talkspace Senior Therapist Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, CFTP, CLYL, has previously worked with an individual to process trauma in hopes of stopping the cycle. Usingcognitive behavioral, narrative, and creative arts therapies, they worked through her client’s trauma from severe child abuse. Together, they worked to let go and build resilience to ensure the client’s children were not impacted as much as they could have been.
Research shows that past events have the potential to impact future generations, but experts agree that more needs to be done to understand epigenetics. In the meantime, we should look to the past with open eyes to recognize what’s formed us and proceed intentionally. Working with a therapist early on can also serve as a crucial step toward breaking free from inherited trauma in order to persevere and live freely.
Jessica WeinbergerAs a marketing professional and award-winning freelance writer in Minneapolis, Jessica crafts feature stories and blog posts for a variety of online and print publications. She enjoys a strong cup of coffee, the challenge of a blank Word document, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins with her husband, George, and their son, Owen.
As a marketing professional and award-winning freelance writer in Minneapolis, Jessica crafts feature stories and blog posts for a variety of online and print publications. She enjoys a strong cup of coffee, the challenge of a blank Word document, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins with her husband, George, and their son, Owen.
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