TRANSGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF TRAUMA – MATRYOSHKA THEORY
Keywords:
transgenerational transmission, trauma, Matryoshka doll, genetics, environmentAbstract
Intergenerational trauma is relatively a new field of research in psychology and psychiatry. The idea is that trauma is not just experienced by one person but extends from one generation to the next. It travels silently and at times, out of awareness.
Parental emotional heritage, as the pains in previous generations, affect the emotional well-being, and the way the second and third generations react to life events. In this context, families affected by catastrophes such as tsunami, wars, earthquake and similar events are especially vulnerable for generational transmission of trauma.
Research into the causes of psychopathology has been largely focused on two broad etiologic factors: genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
This study is a review of published articles available on PubMed and Psych Net in the past two decades. The results obtained confirmed genetic, behavioural and attachment-related transmission of intergenerational trauma. The need of psychological support is emphasised.
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