These manifestations can also stem from the trauma of events, such as the witnessing of war, genocide, or death. For example, a pattern of paternal abandonment of a child might be seen across three generations, or the actions of an abusive parent might be seen in continued abuse across generations. Historical trauma, and its manifestations, are seen as an example of Transgenerational trauma (though the existence of transgenerational trauma itself is disputed). Many historians and scholars believe the manifestations of violence and abuse in certain communities are directly associated with the unresolved grief that accompanies continued trauma. This model seeks to use this to explain other self-destructive behavior, such as suicidal thoughts and gestures, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, violence, and difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions. Historical Trauma Response (HTR) refers to the manifestation of emotions and actions that stem from this perceived trauma.Īccording to its advocates, HTR is exhibited in a variety of ways, most prominently through substance abuse, which is used as a vehicle for attempting to numb pain. Historical trauma ( HT), as used by psychotherapists, social workers, historians, and psychologists, refers to the cumulative emotional harm of an individual or generation caused by a traumatic experience or event. ![]() And in reflecting on myself, I realized that if I can understand Abuela, I can begin to try to understand my relationship with my own grandmother and parents.ĭid you also find one of these stories deeply relatable? Or do you just enjoy stories about complex human relationships? If so, check out some of these movies, TV series and books that feature intergenerational trauma as a main theme.Cumulative emotional harm to individuals or generations It didn’t forgive her actions, but it more than explained them. When Abuela’s past was revealed, I was as devastated as I had been frustrated. I saw the Madrigal family as a reflection of my own family. I felt that Abuela’s treatment of Mirabel, her only grandchild without a unique gift, was unjust. The first time I watched "Encanto," I identified strongly with Mirabel, the protagonist. And most importantly, they explain that trauma can be passed down from generation to generation. ![]() They explain that parents are just normal people trying their best. They explore reasons for why parents or family members might act in hurtful ways. These movies and the themes they explore are very relatable. In " Encanto," the family matriarch’s overbearing iron grip on her family is explained by her past trauma: witnessing her husband’s murder. In " The Whale," our protagonist is an emotionally distant father because of anti-LGBTQIA+ prejudice. In " Everything Everywhere All at Once," we see the protagonist’s turbulent relationship with her father lead to a strained relationship with her daughter. I believe that this is part of the reason for the success of the movies I listed above. If we view media as a reflection of society and our communities, then it’s evident that many of us can relate to the struggles of intergenerational trauma. Anyone can experience intergenerational trauma, but people that are a part of marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people of low socioeconomic status) are particularly vulnerable. ![]() Trauma is complex and there are many kinds of it. Obviously, not everyone has to go through cultural genocide to experience trauma. ![]() This person’s child sees the way their parent behaves, and as they grow up may adopt similar unhealthy coping methods or fears even though they never experienced genocide themselves. That isn’t to say that it hasn’t always been around (it has), but 2022 was the year that intergenerational trauma went mainstream.īut what is intergenerational trauma? Intergenerational trauma, also called “generational trauma” or “transgenerational trauma,” is defined by the American Psychological Association as: “a phenomenon in which the descendants of a person who has experienced a terrifying event show adverse emotional and behavioral reactions to the event that are similar to those of the person himself or herself.”įor example, a person who is a survivor of genocide may be more likely to experience feelings of anxiety or fear, which often results in negative coping behaviors, such as (but not limited to) hoarding food or becoming emotionally distant or unavailable. And even if not, you’ve likely heard of some of these 2022 movies and TV shows in which intergenerational trauma was a major theme: "Everything Everywhere All at Once," "The Whale" and "Encanto." Last year was the year that intergenerational trauma took the spotlight in Hollywood. You may have heard the term “intergenerational trauma” being thrown around a lot in the last year.
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