You may have heard of generational trauma, or intergenerational trauma, but not quite know what it entails. It is a very broad topic that encompasses many dimensions that contribute to this phenomenon. Read on to learn more about what it is, how to recognize it, and therapeutic approaches for treating this form of trauma.
Science Answers: What’s Generational Trauma?
Generational trauma is a cycle of trauma that passes through families in the form of a psychological consequence of an injury or attack, poverty, or other social conditions, from the generation experiencing the trauma to subsequent generations. Originating from research in the 1960s on the families of Holocaust survivors, it was observed that in some cases, children of survivors were more affected than their parents [1] [2].
Examples of Generational Trauma
As the transmission of the effects of trauma from one generation to the next, generational trauma takes many forms and has many causes that are biological, environmental, psychological, and social. In general this may be due to:
- Cultural and social transmission: Trauma is passed down through family stories, learned behaviors, parenting styles, and community norms.
- Direct exposure: Children can directly experience trauma through events like abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence, perpetuating the cycle.
- Genetic transmission: Traumatic experiences can cause epigenetic changes in how your body reads your DNA, known as gene expression, which may influence the health and behavior of future generations.
Some examples of causes for generational trauma include [3]:
- War
- Colonization of Indigenous peoples
- Enslavement of African Americans
- Systemic racism and oppression
- Genocide and ethnic cleansing in Rwanda
- Displacement and incarceration of Japanese in internment camps during World War II
- Famine in Sudan
- Natural disasters
Research on Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) shows that generational trauma may affect individual families. A child who experienced the trauma of the foster care system may pass on that trauma as an adult to their own children. They may have had insecure attachment and difficulty expressing emotions, and model this behavior to their children.
Generational Trauma Statistics
Research highlights the significant impact of generational trauma [4]:
- Studies of Holocaust survivors’ children show higher rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with some research indicating epigenetic markers linked to trauma in their DNA.
- Generational trauma can be observed up to four generations after the initial traumatic event, according to some research.
- Communities affected by historical trauma (e.g., Indigenous populations, descendants of enslaved people) often have higher rates of mental health disorders, substance use, and physical health problems compared to the general population
Epigenetic Memory: How Generational Trauma Is Passed Down
A wide range of environmental exposures, not only exposure to extreme trauma, can have biological and behavioral effects that persist across generations. The term “epigenetics” refers to a set of potentially heritable changes in the genome (the complete set of DNA or genetic material in an organism) that can be influenced or brought about by environmental events.
Genetic transmission refers to the potential that trauma can affect a person’s DNA and therefore influence the health of future generations. One of the first research studies in this field showed that children of Holocaust survivors are more likely to have certain epigenetic markers, chemical tags that attach to DNA and can switch genes on or off.
These markers can influence a person’s risk of developing certain mental health conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, not experienced by their parent survivors.
Current research suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, rather than genetic explanations (or gene‐environment interactions), account for intergenerational effects. But much more research is required and in progress to understand these processes [4].
Recognizing the Signs of Generational Trauma
Offspring who feel affected by their parent’s experience recognize the concept of generational trauma. Similarly, communities that have been affected by traumatic experiences through several generations also recognize this concept. Children who feel that they experience the effects of their parent’s difficulties may feel some validation that there is a biological reason for this, even if this implies that they are damaged or disadvantaged by this.
However, these effects are not necessarily permanent as environments change and individuals find resilience to adapt [4].
Generational Trauma Symptoms in Emotions and Behavior
There are many possible symptoms of generational trauma, including:
| Emotional | Behavioral |
| Low self-esteem | Catastrophizing |
| Anxiety | Nightmares |
| Emotional dysregulation | Problems with sleep |
| Depersonalization, or feeling detached from yourself and your surroundings | Hypervigilance |
| Emotional numbness | Social and relationship difficulties |
| Guilt | Substance abuse |
| Depression | Chronic pain |
| Dysphoria (a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life) | Self-sabotaging behaviors |
| PTSD symptoms (e.g., feeling socially isolated, having negative thoughts, or losing interest in hobbies) | Impaired life skills (e.g., critical thinking, decision-making, or managing your time) |
How to Break the Cycle: Therapy for Generational Trauma
There is hope for those experiencing generational trauma. It’s possible to find the resilience to overcome the effects of trauma with the assistance of a licensed therapist working with these therapies, among others:
Therapeutic Approaches for Generational Trauma
At Corner Canyon Health Centers we work with EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Therapy.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) helps process traumatic memories by using guided eye movements. It reduces distress by stimulating the brain’s natural healing. Sessions focus on recalling trauma while following the therapist’s hand motions, aiding in emotional recovery and symptom relief.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART uses rapid eye movements and imagery rescripting to help reprocess traumatic memories quickly. This brief therapy reduces emotional distress, often in 1 to 5 sessions, by replacing negative images with positive ones, offering relief for PTSD and anxiety.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT helps individuals process and reframe traumatic experiences through structured therapy. It combines cognitive techniques to challenge negative thoughts with behavioral strategies, such as exposure, to reduce distress and improve coping skills. Ideal for PTSD and trauma-related disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, reduce self-harm, and improve relationships. Originally for borderline personality disorder, it now treats mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation through skills training and individual therapy.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a form of counseling that helps improve communication and resolve conflicts within families. It addresses issues like trauma, addiction, or mental health struggles by involving all members, fostering understanding, and strengthening relationships for healthier dynamics.
Developing Daily-Life Coping Skills for Trauma
There are many things you can do in daily life to cope with trauma, including [5]:
- Learn about and connect with your personal or cultural history
- Minimize exposure to potential triggers, such as news reports, social media, or images.
- Exercise daily either by jogging, working out, yoga, dance, swimming, or other forms of movement
- Grounding techniques:
- 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
- Deep Breathing: Slow inhale (4 sec), hold (4 sec), exhale (6 sec).
- Cold Water Splash: Triggers the dive reflex to calm the nervous system.
- Emotional Regulation:
- Journaling: Write thoughts/feelings without judgment.
- Affirmations: Repeat calming phrases (“I am safe now”).
- Self-Soothing:
- Weighted Blanket: Provides deep pressure for anxiety.
- Aromatherapy: Lavender or chamomile for relaxation.
- Music Therapy: Listen to calming or empowering playlists.
- Mindfulness and Distraction:
- Practice mindfulness meditation to process feelings associated with trauma
- Focus on a Task: Coloring, puzzles, coloring mandalas, or cleaning.
- Nature Connection: Walk outside, notice sunlight/air.
- Social Support:
- Reach Out: Text a safe person.
- Support Groups: Join trauma-informed communities.
- Body-Based Healing:
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense/release each muscle group.
- Hum or Sing: Vibrations regulate the vagus nerve.
Find Therapeutic Support at Corner Canyon
Treatment for mental health conditions and trauma is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from anxiety, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, other mental health conditions, or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.
Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
Sources
[1] Gillespie, C, 2025. What Is Generational Trauma?. Health.com
[2] Intergenerational Trauma. 2023. APA Dictionary of Psychology.
[3] Examples and effects of intergenerational trauma. MedicalNewsToday.
[4] Yehuda, R., & Lehrner, A. (2018). Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: putative role of epigenetic mechanisms. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 17(3), 243–257.
[5] Understanding Generational Trauma And Breaking the Cycle. 2024. Holly Hill Hospital.
