“Trauma exists across the human population in ways that are not always quantifiable,” explains Pete Maclearie, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Manager of Adult Programs at Penn Medicine Princeton House’s Eatontown outpatient site. “Depending on where it falls in one’s lineage, certain aspects of trauma can be mirrored or perpetuated for generations.”
Epigenetics and Attachment Relationships
In delving into the literature on intergenerational trauma, Maclearie and Corine Williams, PhD, Clinical Director of Adult Programs at Princeton House, have examined the role of epigenetics—changes in organisms caused by the modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.
“For example, from what we gather, if a mother experienced trauma in her own childhood, it has already affected the way her genes are read,” says Dr. Williams. “Based on neurobiological processes, you may in turn see the effects of that trauma in her children, even though they have not experienced trauma themselves.”
Likewise, attachment relationships may play a key role. Humans have an innate need to be nurtured and stimulated by their caregivers, and the brain is wired to detect that emotional context, according to Maclearie. If a parent’s ability to build a healthy relationship with a child is impaired by trauma, it can result in trauma and dysfunction in the child. In addition, that child does not have appropriate modeling or a sense of normalcy to bond with their own children, and so on.
Moving Toward Mentalizing
To break this cycle, behavioral health providers can start by educating patients on:
- The biological processes behind intergenerational trauma
- The cycle of learned behavior
- How the neurological impact fundamentally affects relationships
“We then use a process called mentalizing, which teaches patients to pay close attention to the thoughts that lead to reactions without reason,” says Maclearie. “Once a fight or flight response is activated, the result will never coincide with the person they aspire to be. When patients learn and practice tactics to interrupt that process, new neuropathways can form that reduce the likelihood of negative reactions in similar situations in the future.”
“The benefits to resolving trauma extend far beyond the person who has experienced it,” adds Dr. Williams. “By disrupting the trauma cycle, our goal is also to help future generations lead more successful lives.”
Sharing StrategiesIn November, Maclearie and Dr. Williams presented a half-day workshop on “Disrupting Intergenerational Trauma in Young Adults and Males: Special Considerations” at Princeton House’s Eatontown site. This popular program — attended at capacity—focused on current research, best practices, and engagement strategies to help break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. |
For more information about outpatient services, visit princetonhouse.org or call 888.437.1610.
Article as seen in the Winter 2020 issue of Princeton House Behavioral Health Today.
