Trauma does not exist in isolation. It passes through families, communities, and cultures, shaping the experiences of generations to come. Intergenerational trauma—also known as transgenerational or historical trauma—refers to the ways in which the effects of deeply distressing experiences are transferred from one generation to the next. This phenomenon is evident across many populations, from refugees fleeing war zones to marginalised communities facing systemic discrimination, and families trapped in cycles of poverty, violence, or mental health struggles.
For children and adolescents, growing up in environments shaped by intergenerational trauma can have profound effects on their mental health, resilience, confidence, and ability to form meaningful social connections (Lotty, 2022). This blog explores how intergenerational trauma manifests in different groups and its far-reaching implications for the wellbeing of the next generation.
What Is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational trauma occurs when the effects of a traumatic event experienced by one generation impact subsequent generations. It is not just about inherited stories or memories but also about the psychological, emotional, and sometimes biological imprints left behind. Research suggests that trauma can alter stress responses and even influence gene expression through epigenetic changes, making future generations more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Children of traumatised parents or caregivers may grow up in environments marked by fear, instability, or emotional detachment (Lotty, 2024). The unspoken pain of past generations becomes woven into the fabric of family and cultural narratives, shaping how young people perceive the world and their place within it.
Refugees and Forced Migration: The Trauma of Displacement
For families forced to flee their home countries due to war, conflict, or persecution, trauma often begins long before resettlement. The experience of war, loss of loved ones, and dangerous journeys to new countries can leave deep psychological scars. Once in a new country, the challenges do not necessarily end—refugee families often face cultural disconnection, xenophobia, poverty, and bureaucratic barriers to stability.
Children growing up in refugee families may absorb their parents’ distress, whether through witnessing their struggles firsthand or through the emotional distance created by parental trauma. They may develop a deep sense of insecurity, fearing loss and instability at any moment. These children often navigate the burden of acting as cultural translators for their families, managing adult responsibilities beyond their years.
Without proper support, the trauma of displacement can result in heightened anxiety, social isolation, and difficulties in forming a stable sense of identity. However, when communities and schools provide trauma-informed support, young refugees can develop resilience, reclaiming a sense of agency and belonging in their new homes.
Social Status, Bias, and Discrimination: A Lifetime of Stigma
For marginalised groups—whether due to race, ethnicity, class, or other identities—discrimination and exclusion can be sources of collective trauma. This is particularly true when systemic oppression persists across generations, making upward mobility difficult. Families who have faced generations of poverty, racial discrimination, or exclusion from mainstream society may carry deep wounds that influence parenting styles, stress responses, and expectations for the future.
Children growing up in communities affected by discrimination may struggle with self-worth and confidence. If they internalize societal biases, they may see their opportunities as inherently limited, leading to reduced motivation and a sense of hopelessness. In contrast, if they grow up in a community that fosters resistance and cultural pride, they may develop resilience despite adversity.
Educational and social systems must recognise the impacts of systemic oppression as a form of intergenerational trauma. Providing safe spaces, representation, and equitable opportunities for marginalised children and adolescents can help disrupt cycles of trauma and exclusion.
The Travelling Community: Cultural Displacement and Barriers to Inclusion
The Travelling community—whether Romani, Irish Travellers, or other nomadic groups—has long faced discrimination, forced assimilation, and exclusion. This history of marginalisation has led to intergenerational trauma, impacting mental wellbeing and social inclusion.
For many children in these communities, the conflict between cultural identity and societal acceptance creates profound stress. Travelling families often struggle with limited access to education, healthcare, and secure housing, reinforcing cycles of disadvantage. The negative stereotypes associated with their way of life can lead to bullying and alienation in school settings, damaging self-esteem and confidence.
Mental health challenges such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders are disproportionately high in these communities, often linked to the cumulative impact of generational trauma. Culturally sensitive policies, inclusive education, and stronger advocacy for Travelling families can help break down barriers, fostering a more supportive environment for young people navigating their identity.
Mental Health and Toxic Family Environments: The Silent Transmission of Trauma
In families where trauma stems from abuse, addiction, neglect, or untreated mental health issues, children may be raised in environments where stress and instability are the norm. Parents who have not healed from their own trauma may struggle to provide emotional security, leading to cycles of dysfunction that pass from one generation to the next.
Children in these environments often develop hypervigilance—a heightened awareness of potential threats—because their nervous systems are conditioned to expect danger. This can lead to difficulties with emotional regulation, trust, and forming healthy relationships. The lack of a safe and nurturing environment can also stunt their confidence and ability to take risks, both socially and academically.
Breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma in these families requires early intervention. Trauma-informed parenting programs, accessible mental health support, and stable social services can provide children with protective factors that promote resilience and healing.
The Ripple Effects: Mental Wellbeing, Resilience, and Social Isolation
Across all these groups, intergenerational trauma impacts mental wellbeing in profound ways. Children who grow up in trauma-affected families often experience:
• Increased Anxiety and Depression: A constant sense of uncertainty can contribute to chronic stress, leading to mood disorders and emotional dysregulation (Lotty,2021)
• Low Self-Confidence: Repeated exposure to adversity can instill a belief that they are unworthy or incapable of achieving success.
• Social Isolation: Whether due to stigma, displacement, or internalised fear, many children affected by intergenerational trauma struggle to form secure social bonds.
• Reduced Resilience: Without support, children may have difficulty developing coping mechanisms, making them more vulnerable to stress and setbacks.
Breaking the Cycle: Towards Healing and Hope
Breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma is possible, but it requires a collective effort from families, communities, educators, and policymakers. Some key steps include:
• Trauma-Informed Education: Schools that understand trauma can provide safe learning environments, where children’s emotional needs are prioritised alongside academics.
• Culturally Competent Mental Health Support: Providing therapy and counseling that acknowledges the cultural and historical contexts of trauma can foster healing.
• Community Empowerment: Strengthening community ties, reclaiming cultural identity, and fostering mentorship opportunities can help children build resilience.
• Breaking Stigmas: Open conversations about mental health and trauma can reduce shame and encourage families to seek support.
The impact of intergenerational trauma does not have to define the future of the next generation. With awareness, support, and systemic change, young people can reclaim their narratives, develop resilience, and thrive despite the challenges they inherit. By acknowledging these patterns and working toward healing, we can help create a world where trauma is no longer passed down—but instead, resilience and hope become the legacy we leave behind.
Dr M’s thoughts 