Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational or transgenerational trauma, refers to the psychological effects that are passed down from one generation to the next among families who have experienced significant traumatic events. This type of trauma can stem from a variety of sources, including war, genocide, displacement, severe economic hardship, or other forms of violence and loss. The trauma experienced by one generation can affect parenting styles, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns, which can then be transmitted to subsequent generations, even if those later generations have not experienced the trauma directly.

The transmission of generational trauma can occur through several mechanisms, including the direct communication of traumatic experiences to children, the modeling of trauma-influenced behaviors and coping strategies, and even through epigenetic changes that affect how genes are expressed in response to stress. Children and grandchildren of those who have directly experienced trauma may therefore exhibit symptoms and behaviors related to the original traumatic events, such as anxiety, depression, or difficulties in forming secure attachments, without having firsthand knowledge of these events.

Understanding and addressing generational trauma requires a nuanced approach that considers both the psychological and the social components of trauma transmission. Therapy and support for individuals and families dealing with generational trauma often involve exploring family history, recognizing patterns of behavior, and developing new coping mechanisms to heal from past hurts and prevent the further transmission of trauma to future generations.