Have you heard of generational trauma? Imagine a family living in the shadow of war or a major disaster. Although their children and grandchildren never experienced the sound of bombs or the pain of hunger directly, feelings of anxiety and distrust, and even certain health problems, still linger in their lives.
So, can a parent’s traumatic experiences truly be passed down to their descendants?
What Is Generational Trauma?
Generational trauma refers to the phenomenon in which the traumatic experiences of one generation affect the next. It can manifest as anxiety, depression, or even physical health issues.
Researchers suggest this trauma can be transmitted through two main pathways: socially (for example, parenting styles, family communication, stigma) and biologically (through stress hormone regulation or epigenetic markers on DNA).
Read also: Research Shows That Your Mind Can Change Your Genes
Signs of the Past
In the past five years, research into generational trauma has grown rapidly. A 2025 article published in Nature revealed that the trauma of the Syrian war left epigenetic traces across three generations of refugees. Even grandchildren who had never witnessed the war themselves displayed distinct biological patterns in their DNA.
A similar phenomenon has been observed among the descendants of Holocaust survivors. Another study, also published in Nature in the same year, found differences in stress-related genes, such as CRH and FKBP5, compared to other populations.
Interestingly, while biological markers were evident, not all descendants developed mental health disorders. Some displayed remarkable resilience, as if they had inherited their ancestors' survival strength.
These findings are further supported by a systematic review published in BMC Psychology in 2025. The analysis of second-generation survivors of wars, genocides and natural disasters revealed an increased risk of depression, anxiety and physiological disorders.
Generational trauma affects not only psychological health, but physical well-being too. A study of Indigenous communities, published in PMC in 2023, revealed a link between colonial trauma and an increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. It appears that a combination of chronic stress, lifestyle changes, and epigenetic mechanisms plays a role.
Social vs Biological Pathways
While many studies focus on biological aspects, such as epigenetics, some scientists remind us that social factors are equally important. Fear-driven parenting, family silence about the past and socio-economic pressures are all powerful ways in which trauma can be passed down through generations.
Some researchers even criticise the idea that 'trauma is inherited through DNA', as many of the associated findings are difficult to replicate. A review article in Frontiers (2024) emphasised that most epigenetic marks are actually 'reset' during embryonic development, meaning that the biological inheritance of trauma requires much closer examination.
In other words, generational trauma is real, but its underlying mechanisms are most likely a complex interplay of biological and social factors.
From Wounds to Resilience
Generational trauma does not always end in suffering. A study published in Nature (2025) found that although biological markers of trauma were present among the descendants of Holocaust survivors, many did not develop severe mental health disorders. Instead, they showed a strong sense of history, solidarity, and adaptability.
This highlights that the legacy of trauma carries not only wounds but also the strength to endure and grow. With psychological therapy, positive family narratives, and strong community support, trauma can be transformed into resilience rather than passed down as a burden.
It Can Be Healed, Not a Curse
Generational trauma also does not have to be a lifelong condition. Research shows that, with the right interventions, it can be broken. A systematic review published on PubMed in 2019 highlighted the importance of trauma-focused therapies, particularly those that strengthen the bond between parents and children, in preventing the intergenerational transmission of trauma.
Further research in PubMed (2021) found that therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness-based interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
At the community level, healing strategies that combine local cultural practices with modern therapeutic methods have produced remarkable outcomes. For example, a study published in PubMed (2022) showed that Indigenous communities integrating rituals and traditions with psychotherapy experienced notable improvements in mental health and resilience.
Why This Matters to You
Maybe you never lived through war. Maybe you never experienced the losses of colonialism, genocide, or armed conflict.
Yet the echoes of history might still pulse through your family. They may surface in parenting styles filled with worry, in unexplained anxiety, or in the silence that descends whenever the past is brought up.
Generational trauma reminds us that the past never truly disappears. It lives on in how we love, how we work, and how we trust others.
The good news is that awareness gives us the power to break the chain. By recognizing these traces of trauma, we can begin to build healthier relationships, open spaces for dialogue, and reshape our family narratives.
Source:
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-89818-z
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-12085-5
- https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-025-03012-4
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10538456/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/epigenetics-and-epigenomics/articles/10.3389/freae.2024.1434253/full
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30556334/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8219147/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35130021/
