Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Intergenerational Trauma

Why do the same struggles seem to repeat from one generation to the next?

For many families, patterns of anxiety, emotional distance, substance use, or unhealthy relationships can feel like an inherited family story. While every family's experience is unique, research suggests that trauma can sometimes echo across generations; this is a phenomenon known as intergenerational trauma (Mohn, 2026).

Intergenerational trauma refers to the ways the effects of trauma may be passed from one generation to the next, even when children did not directly experience the original traumatic event. Trauma can result from experiences such as abuse or neglect, domestic violence, forced displacement, racism, war, historical oppression, incarceration, or chronic poverty. These experiences can influence not only individuals but also families and entire communities over time (Bowe et al., 2025; Westby et al., 2026).

So, how is trauma passed down?

Researchers point to several interconnected pathways. Children learn from the adults around them, and caregivers who have experienced trauma may struggle with emotional regulation, trust, or responding consistently to stress. Family stories, communication patterns, coping strategies, and broader social conditions can all shape how trauma is carried across generations (Bowe et al., 2025).

Emerging research also suggests that severe or prolonged stress may influence how genes related to the body’s stress response are expressed – a field known as epigenetics. Dr. Bruce Perry explains that these changes may help the body adapt to challenging environments, but researchers emphasize that biology is only one part of the story. Relationships, caregiving, and life experiences remain powerful influences on healing and resilience (MEDspiration, 2023; Mohn, 2026).

The encouraging news is that trauma is not destiny.

Positive relationships, safe and stable environments, healthy coping skills, culturally responsive care, and strong community connections can all interrupt cycles of adversity. Healing is most effective when it addresses the biological, psychological, relational, and social factors that shape people’s lives, making it important to recognize each person’s unique strengths, culture, and environment.

Breaking the cycle doesn't require perfection. It begins with awareness, compassion, and the courage to do something different. Every healthy relationship, every conversation about mental health, and every step toward healing creates the possibility of a new legacy. One where resilience, connection, and hope are passed from one generation to the next.

References

Bowe, C., Thomas, C., & Mackey, P. (2025). Perspective to practice: Theoretical frameworks explaining intergenerational trauma, violence, and maltreatment and implications for the therapeutic response. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030321

MEDspiration. (2023). Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D. - Inter-generational trauma & early brain development. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZiuPbpdbps

Mohn, E. (2026). Transgenerational trauma. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Westby, C., Kokotek, L. E., & Washington, K. N. (2026). Adverse childhood experiences, intergenerational trauma, and historical trauma: A child’s story. Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools, 57, 54–69. https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_LSHSS-24-00123