Dr. LeKeshia Mathis is a prominent figure in the fields of social work and mental health. As the founder of Evolutionary Services and Consulting, she brings over a decade of experience in these areas.
Intergenerational trauma significantly impacts the lives of Black women and men, manifesting through a complex interplay of historical, social, and psychological factors. This phenomenon arises from the cumulative effects of systemic oppression, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities that have persisted across generations. Black women and men often bear the weight of these inherited traumas, which influence their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
The legacy of slavery, segregation, and ongoing racial injustices contributes to a cycle of trauma transmitted from generation to generation, affecting coping mechanisms and resilience. Understanding the unique experiences of Black women and men in the context of intergenerational trauma is crucial for developing effective support systems and interventions that address their specific needs and promote healing within their communities.
What is intergenerational trauma?
Intergenerational trauma, also known as transgenerational or generational trauma, refers to the psychological and emotional effects of traumatic experiences that are passed down from one generation to another within families or communities. This type of trauma can have far-reaching impacts, affecting individuals who did not directly experience the original traumatic events (Ullah et al., 2023). The transmission of trauma is often unintentional and occurs without awareness of the original traumatic event's contribution (O’Neil et al., 2016). When passing down this trauma, traumatized parents may have difficulty forming secure attachments with their children, affecting the child’s emotional development. This is because the parent may adopt a parenting style that reflects their own traumatic experiences, influencing their children's behavior and emotional regulation (Kostova, Z., & Matanova, V., 2024) Furthermore, the way trauma is discussed—or not discussed—within families can impact how individuals perceive and internalize their family history, thereby affecting their communication patterns.
Related Articles: Transgenerational Trauma and Attachment Intergenerational Trauma
Eight causes of intergenerational trauma
Historical oppression and violence
The legacies of slavery, colonization, and systemic racism create enduring psychological scars that are transmitted across generations. These historical injustices not only affect the immediate victims but also shape the experiences and identities of their descendants, resulting in a cycle of trauma that persists over time. The impact of these oppressive systems manifests in various forms, including social, economic, and emotional challenges, which continue to influence communities long after the original acts of oppression have ceased (Hankerson et al., 2022).
War and conflict
Experiencing the traumas of war can lead to the development of PTSD symptoms, which have the potential to affect subsequent generations. The psychological scars borne by those who have lived through conflict can manifest in their descendants, creating a cycle of trauma that extends beyond the initial experiences of individuals directly involved in the war. This intergenerational transmission of psychological distress underscores the profound and lasting impact warfare has on families and communities, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health support and interventions for both veterans and their offspring (Chapple, 2023).
Cultural dislocation
Forced migration or displacement resulting from conflict or persecution often engenders profound feelings of loss and isolation that endure for generations. The trauma associated with such upheaval not only affects individuals but also reverberates through families and communities, creating a legacy of emotional and psychological challenges. As displaced individuals navigate new environments, the absence of familiar cultural and social structures exacerbates their alienation, making it difficult to forge connections and rebuild their lives. This enduring impact highlights the need for comprehensive support systems that address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by forced migration (Chapple, 2023).
Adverse childhood experiences
Child maltreatment, including abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and various other types of childhood trauma, plays a significant role in perpetuating intergenerational trauma (King-White, 2024).
Poverty and lack of opportunity
Intergenerational poverty, coupled with restricted access to essential resources, perpetuates a cycle characterized by trauma and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. This situation often leads to a continuous loop where individuals and families find themselves trapped in adverse conditions, struggling to break free from the constraints imposed by their socioeconomic status. The lack of opportunities and support not only affects their immediate well-being but also has long-lasting implications for future generations, fostering an environment where despair becomes a common experience (Chapple, 2023).
Societal and cultural factors
Societal and cultural influences play a significant role in the continuation of trauma through generations, as systemic discrimination and oppression create barriers that hinder access to mental health resources. These factors contribute to a cycle of trauma that affects individuals and communities over time, making it essential to address these underlying issues to promote healing and resilience (Chapple, 2023).
Epigenetic factors
Traumatic experiences may cause changes in gene expression that are inherited by future generations (Yehuda, R., & Lehrner, A., 2018).
Parenting patterns
Traumatized parents often inadvertently transmit their unresolved emotional wounds to their children, manifesting in maladaptive parenting approaches or detrimental relational dynamics. This cycle perpetuates a legacy of trauma, where the parents' own experiences influence their interactions and behaviors, potentially leading to a pattern of dysfunction that affects the emotional and psychological development of the next generation (King-White, 2024).
3 ways black women and men are impacted
1. Mental health challenges
African Americans face elevated levels of psychological distress, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, largely as a result of the enduring impact of historical trauma. This persistent psychological burden is rooted in a legacy of systemic oppression and discrimination, which continues to affect mental health outcomes within the community. The cumulative effects of these historical injustices contribute to a heightened vulnerability to various mental health disorders, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address these challenges effectively (Shriver, 2023).
2. Physical health complications
Prolonged exposure to racial discrimination and the associated stress can have significant adverse effects on physical health, manifesting in various physiological challenges. This chronic stress response is linked to an elevated likelihood of developing hypertension and high blood pressure, as well as heightened cortisol levels in the body. Additionally, individuals may experience disruptions in their sleep patterns, leading to insufficient rest. Over time, these factors contribute to accelerated biological aging, further compounding the health risks associated with systemic discrimination (Lockett, 2023).
3. Internalized oppression
Internalized oppression manifests when numerous Black individuals adopt harmful racial stereotypes, resulting in several detrimental effects. This phenomenon often causes individuals to distance themselves from their cultural heritage as a means of evading racism, leading to a disconnection from their roots. Additionally, it can foster feelings of diminished self-esteem and a sense of learned helplessness, which can hinder personal growth and resilience. The struggle to cultivate healthy interpersonal relationships may also arise, as internalized negativity complicates social interactions. Furthermore, this internal conflict can contribute to a tendency toward anger and aggression, which may, unfortunately, be expressed within their communities (Scott-Jones, G., & Kamara, M., 2020).
Signs and symptoms
Intergenerational trauma can present itself in a multitude of signs and symptoms that may be observed across different generations. This phenomenon often results in emotional, psychological, and behavioral patterns that are passed down from one generation to the next, affecting individuals who may not have directly experienced the original traumatic events. The impact of such trauma can lead to a range of difficulties, including psychological, behavioral, physical, cognitive, other manifestations, and relationship issues, as descendants grapple with the unresolved pain and coping mechanisms established by their ancestors. Signs and symptoms may include:
Psychological symptoms: Anxiety and depression, emotional numbness and depersonalization, low self-esteem and lack of self-worth, unresolved and complicated grief, hypervigilance and fearfulness, intrusive thoughts and nightmares, difficulty trusting others and forming relationships (Signs and Symptoms).
Behavioral symptoms: Isolation, substance abuse and addiction, irritability, and difficulty regulating emotions.
Physical symptoms: Chronic pain, insomnia sleep disturbance, and heightened stress response.
Social and Relational Symptoms: Difficulty in romantic relationships and family dynamics, family communication problems, parenting challenges, and overly harsh or uninvolved styles.
Cognitive symptoms: Memory loss or difficulty, dissociation and feeling disconnected from oneself, and fixation on traumatic events.
Other Manifestations: Identity issues and damaged cultural identity (Healthline).
How to address intergenerational trauma
Tackling intergenerational trauma necessitates a multifaceted strategy that integrates personal healing processes, familial assistance, and extensive policy reforms. This holistic approach ensures that individuals not only work through their own emotional and psychological challenges but also receive the necessary support from their families, while simultaneously advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of trauma across generations. To effectively address intergenerational issues, it is recommended to consider the following steps:
Acknowledging and affirming the presence of intergenerational trauma that may be affecting your family or community is essential. Understanding this legacy of pain is a crucial step in the healing process, as it allows individuals to confront the historical and emotional wounds passed down through generations. By validating these experiences, you create a foundation for open dialogue and support, fostering an environment where healing and resilience can flourish (Psychcentral).
Exploring family history is essential for gaining insight into the experiences that have shaped your lineage. Initiate candid discussions with relatives to uncover past challenges and traumas, as these narratives can provide a deeper understanding of their effects on current family dynamics and individual identities (King-White, 2024).
Collaborate with mental health specialists who have expertise in trauma, especially those familiar with therapeutic approaches such as Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), or the Intergenerational Trauma Treatment Model (ITTM) (Psychcentral).
Embrace the principles of healthy parenting by prioritizing the establishment of secure emotional bonds with your children. Engaging in open conversations about your family's history is essential, as this transparency can play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of trauma being passed down through generations. By fostering a nurturing environment and encouraging dialogue, you can help your children develop resilience and a strong sense of identity (King-White, 2024).
Enhance mental health assistance by establishing policies that prioritize the accessibility, affordability, and cultural inclusivity of trauma-informed care. This approach aims to ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds can receive the necessary support tailored to their unique experiences and needs, ultimately fostering a more equitable mental health landscape. By focusing on these key areas, we can create a system that not only addresses the immediate psychological needs of individuals but also promotes long-term well-being and resilience within communities (Romilus, 2024).
Create comprehensive programs within educational institutions, corporate environments, and community settings aimed at enhancing the understanding of intergenerational trauma. These initiatives should focus on providing resources and training that illuminate the complexities of trauma passed down through generations, thereby equipping individuals with the knowledge necessary to recognize its effects and promote healing within their respective environments (Romilus, 2024).
Encourage the healing of communities by backing programs that enhance cultural identity, reinforce social connections, and build resilience among members (Romilus, 2024).
Implement multi-family therapy by employing strategies such as trauma-informed multi-family therapy, which aims to tackle trauma while considering the larger systemic framework. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of family dynamics and seeks to create a supportive environment where multiple families can collaboratively explore and heal from their shared experiences of trauma. By focusing on the collective rather than just individual experiences, this method fosters a deeper understanding of how trauma affects relationships and promotes resilience within the family unit (Mooren et al., 2023).
Related Articles: Addressing Intergenerational Trauma
Summary
Understanding and tackling intergenerational trauma within Black communities is crucial due to its profound and lasting impact on mental and physical well-being, as well as overall life satisfaction. This type of trauma, which is passed down through generations, stems from historical injustices such as slavery, ongoing racial discrimination, and systemic oppression that continue to influence these communities today. Confronting intergenerational trauma among Black men and women is vital for breaking detrimental cycles, improving health outcomes at both the individual and community levels, and fostering resilience and healing that can resonate through generations. By prioritizing this important issue, we can establish avenues for recovery and empowerment, ultimately fostering a healthier and more nurturing environment for future generations.
Read more from LeKeshia Harless Mathis
LeKeshia Harless Mathis, Advocate, Advisor and Mentor
Dr. LeKeshia Mathis is an influential leader in social work and mental health. Her earlier work in child welfare has led her to a profound commitment to helping those facing mental health challenges, racial disparities, and inequalities, especially within underserved communities. She has dedicated her life to empowering, supporting, and advocating for individuals from all walks of life. As the CEO of Evolutionary Services and Consulting, she is focused on helping individuals discover and embrace their true potential.
