The Implications of Intergenerational Trauma
Research Poster Social & Behavioral Sciences 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Gabrielle Reilly
Exhibition Number 61
Abstract
Intergenerational Trauma refers to the passing down of trauma from previous generations to subsequent generations, which can affect any individual’s holistic well-being. Intergenerational Trauma is still present among families and individuals today and can commonly be seen through a person’s behaviors or responses to their traumatic events that are separate from the events of generations before them. Since these behaviors and responses are ingrained as a result of socialization, the use of specific therapeutic techniques and the identification of how these systems exist in society today can work to combat this. To enhance the resiliency and wellness of the community as a whole and amongst individuals in these communities, methods such as advocacy, awareness, and education/resources can be implemented. This is most commonly seen as the practice of Awareness Training so that individuals and community members are equipped to recognize the signs of the impact of Intergenerational Trauma and be able to provide empathy and tangible resources. Policy changes to increase funding and accessibility to mental health services were also noted in this section. Amongst researchers, the best treatment practices that were discovered are maintaining a balance between shared efforts such as group counseling as well as tailored interventions in a personal counseling space. Creative techniques such as art therapy, role plays, and storytelling were also noted as helpful integrations as well as prevention, used to break the cycle of Intergenerational Trauma.
Importance
Inherent trauma exists in all of us, often passed down through generations. This trauma appears differently for every individual due to our unique experiences and cultures. When intergenerational trauma remains unaddressed, the result is often unconscious patterns in communication responses, behaviors, and beliefs in our lives, which can then affect our larger communities. Within the field of Counselor Education, knowledge of how to address the topic of intergenerational trauma is crucial as it acts as a foundation for many other concerns that a client might present with. By broaching the topic of intergenerational trauma as a root cause of other concerns, counselors can further the healing process of clients within the counseling space.
DEI Statement
Although intergenerational trauma can exist in any family, it disproportionately impacts historically marginalized groups due to systemic oppression, segregation, and violence directed at individuals in these marginalized groups throughout history. Intergenerational trauma affects individuals in their well-being and can impact cognitive development, which then contributes to perpetuating cycles of barriers to issues such as (mental) health disparities, economic injustice, and a lack of access to higher systems of education. Studying intergenerational trauma can provide a deeper understanding of how historical and ongoing injustices shape present inequalities. Only by examining these patterns can we better understand how these systemic barriers that DEI initiatives aim to dismantle lead to and continue to impact marginalized communities and individuals today.