Trauma does not always begin with the person experiencing the symptoms. Increasing research shows that the effects of trauma can be passed down across generations — shaping emotional regulation, attachment patterns, stress responses, and even physical health.
At Spencer Mental Health Care, we often work with individuals who ask:
“Why do I react this way when nothing obvious happened in my childhood?”
Sometimes, the answer lies in intergenerational trauma.
What Is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational trauma (also called transgenerational trauma) refers to the transmission of trauma-related effects from one generation to the next. This does not mean trauma is genetically predetermined. Rather, it involves a complex interaction between:
- Family narratives and silence
- Parenting patterns
- Attachment styles
- Chronic stress responses
- Social and cultural factors
- Biological stress regulation systems
Intergenerational trauma has been widely studied in descendants of Holocaust survivors, refugees, survivors of war, systemic oppression, and communities affected by colonisation and displacement.
Trauma and the Nervous System
When someone experiences trauma, the body’s stress system becomes activated. In conditions such as Post-traumatic stress disorder, the nervous system can remain in a state of heightened alertness long after the danger has passed.
Chronic trauma exposure may affect:
- Cortisol regulation
- Emotional reactivity
- Threat perception
- Sleep patterns
- Attachment behaviours
Children raised by caregivers with unresolved trauma may grow up in environments where:
- Emotional expression feels unsafe
- Hypervigilance is normalised
- Conflict triggers intense reactions
- Emotional needs are inconsistently met
These patterns can persist even if the child was never directly exposed to the original traumatic event.
What Does Research Tell Us?
Research into intergenerational trauma spans psychology, neuroscience, and epigenetics.
1. Attachment and Relational Patterns
Studies consistently show that caregivers with unresolved trauma are more likely to display:
- Emotional withdrawal
- Overprotection
- Inconsistent responses
- Heightened anxiety
Children may internalise these relational patterns, leading to insecure attachment styles that continue into adulthood.
You can learn more about how early relational experiences shape adult functioning in our blog on trauma and EMDR therapy.
2. Modelling of Stress Responses
Children learn how to interpret the world by observing their caregivers. If a parent consistently responds to stress with fear, anger, or avoidance, these responses can become internalised templates.
This can contribute to:
- Generalised anxiety
- Emotional dysregulation
- Difficulties with boundaries
- Relationship instability
If you notice patterns of heightened worry, you may also find our article on anxiety helpful.
3. Epigenetic Research
Emerging research in epigenetics suggests that trauma can influence how certain genes are expressed — particularly those involved in stress regulation. Importantly, this does not mean trauma permanently changes DNA. Rather, environmental stress may affect gene expression patterns related to the stress response.
This field continues to evolve, and researchers emphasise that environment, safety, and supportive relationships remain powerful protective factors.
4. Social and Cultural Context
Intergenerational trauma cannot be separated from broader systems. Communities affected by colonisation, racism, war, and forced displacement often experience ongoing stressors that reinforce trauma patterns across generations.
Healing, therefore, must address both individual and systemic factors.
Signs Intergenerational Trauma May Be Present
While experiences differ, common indicators include:
- Strong emotional reactions that feel disproportionate
- Persistent fear of abandonment
- Difficulty trusting others
- Family secrecy or unspoken histories
- Repeating relational patterns across generations
- High baseline anxiety without a clear origin
Many individuals describe a sense of carrying emotional weight that does not fully belong to them.
How Intergenerational Trauma Affects Parenting
Without awareness and support, trauma patterns can unintentionally repeat. For example:
- A parent who experienced emotional neglect may struggle with emotional attunement.
- A parent raised in unpredictability may become highly controlling in an attempt to create safety.
- A parent exposed to violence may react intensely to minor conflict.
These responses are adaptive survival strategies — not character flaws. However, awareness is essential to prevent repetition.
Can Intergenerational Trauma Be Healed?
Yes. Research consistently shows that trauma patterns can shift through:
- Secure relationships
- Reflective parenting
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Nervous system regulation skills
- Safe, corrective emotional experiences
Healing does not require uncovering every historical detail. It requires building safety in the present.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
At Spencer Mental Health Care, treatment is tailored to the individual. Depending on presentation, approaches may include:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
Helps individuals:
- Process traumatic memories
- Reduce avoidance patterns
- Restructure trauma-related beliefs
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) supports the brain in reprocessing distressing experiences so they are stored adaptively rather than remaining “stuck” in a heightened emotional state.
You can read more in our detailed guide to EMDR therapy.
Attachment-Based Therapy
Focuses on:
- Understanding relational patterns
- Improving emotional attunement
- Strengthening secure attachment
Schema Therapy
Addresses deeply ingrained relational patterns formed in early life.
Breaking the Cycle: What Research Emphasises
Research highlights several protective factors that interrupt trauma transmission:
- A single stable, safe relationship
- Emotional validation
- Open communication about family history
- Psychoeducation
- Mindful parenting practices
- Access to culturally responsive care
Even one generation choosing to engage in healing work can shift family trajectories.
When to Seek Support
Consider professional support if you:
- Notice repeating relational conflicts
- Experience intense emotional triggers
- Struggle with emotional regulation
- Feel disconnected from your family history
- Are becoming a parent and want to prevent repeating patterns
Seeking therapy is not about blaming previous generations. It is about increasing awareness and expanding choice.
Compassionate Trauma-Informed Care at Spencer Mental Health Care
Intergenerational trauma can feel complex and deeply embedded. However, research is clear: the brain remains adaptable throughout life. Healing is possible.
At Spencer Mental Health Care, our psychologists provide evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy to help individuals understand their patterns, regulate their nervous systems, and build healthier relational experiences.
You are not defined by what was passed down to you. With the right support, you can create something