In our community, we are all too familiar with intergenerational trauma. Many of us are directly impacted by the Holocaust. We joke (but not really joke) about stashes of cash hidden under our beds, our exaggerated startle response, and our continuous efforts to seek out the perfect righteous gentile to hide us if the time comes. When we were re-victimized by the terror of Oct. 7 and the increased antisemitism of Oct. 8, our minds and souls not only responded to the recent trauma but to generations of victimizations. The experienced trauma-related symptomatology can be profound and, for some, debilitating. Our people’s unique history explains what can otherwise be perceived as a disproportionate emotional response.
In the past year and a half, I have heard countless accounts of individuals feeling true anxiety in the work setting. “Am I safe?” “Are they allies?” “Will my job be impacted if I express my Israel support?” Many people have experienced depressive symptoms as they struggled to reconcile their previous world view with the realities of today. Within my own family, actions were taken (which by some accounts could be considered quite impulsive) to secure a safe haven should our current home no longer feel safe. While there are certainly grounds to believe that history is repeating itself, it is important to be introspective. Are these feelings and actions adaptive and protective? Are my “symptoms” serving me or impacting my functioning? Am I OK? Does my family think I am OK?
During my career as a clinical/forensic psychologist, I have heard hundreds of stories of trauma. Everyone’s pain is unique and personal. Yet, so many of the experiences share similar elements and themes. One particularly compelling theme is that of intergenerational trauma. Some parents are unfortunately resigned to the continuation of painful family narratives. Other parents experience profound shock and grief. How could it be that despite their best efforts to protect and advocate for their child, the painful cycle continued to the next generation?
Jon and Deborah were referred to me by their attorney. They had recently learned that their young daughter had been sexually abused by a trusted, non-familial adult. I asked Jon and Deborah to tell me about their family. They described themselves as engaged and involved parents. They were on the PTA. They knew their children’s friends’ parents. They believed that they were part of a trusted community. While talking about her daughter, Deborah relayed that because there was a history of sexual abuse in her family, she was very careful to speak with her daughter about body safety. Her shame and guilt were palpable. She educated herself and advocated for her daughter and still she was unable to break the cycle of abuse in her family.
The mechanism of the transmission of intergenerational trauma has been researched from several different perspectives. The more obvious perspective is that when a person has been traumatized, their worldview, sense of self and experience of humanity are altered by their experiences. As such, the ways that they interact with, attach to, and parent their children are impacted as well. The stories that they tell their children, and the way that they teach their children to stay safe, are all colored by their personal narratives. Being raised by a parent who has not fully processed his/her trauma symptoms makes a child more susceptible to his/her own victimization. Moreover, if an individual is suffering from the symptoms that are often associated with trauma, such as hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts and memories, anxiety and depression, their ability to parent in a healthy and effective manner is likely debilitated, often resulting in a vulnerability in the child.
An additional theory that continues to be researched is the epigenetics of trauma. Multiple studies have demonstrated that gene expression is influenced by environmental factors, including the experience of trauma. This phenomenon can be understood as similar to cakes with the same ingredients turning out differently if baked at different temperatures. The research further indicates that this gene expression not only shows up in the person who has experienced the trauma, but it can be passed down to the offspring as well. As such, an individual who has a familial history of trauma is not only impacted by psychological factors. They are also genetically and biologically predisposed to experience exacerbated trauma symptoms.
One of the modalities that I use is called Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This approach is evidence-based, with proven positive outcomes. In my career, I have seen countless examples of people who have advocated for their well-being by engaging in therapy. By committing to the process of TF-CBT, they increased their quality of life. Relatedly, one of the promising findings from the epigenetics research is that gene expression can be reversed when trauma is properly addressed. Therefore, by taking steps to process the trauma, you are not only helping yourself but also protecting the next generation as well.
*Identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of clients and all parties.
Dr. Leah Schild is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York. Her scope of expertise includes clinical and forensic psychology. Schild has offered expert testimony regarding clinical/forensic psychology in New Jersey, New York and federal court. In her new role at The Lazar Center, Schild will be providing therapeutic services to adults. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and parenting challenges. Additionally, she has a profound understanding of the dynamics of childhood trauma and its impact on adult functioning. She will also be offering trauma-focused treatment. For more information, please contact Schild at dr.leahschild@thelazarcenter.com.
