CHILDHOOD ABUSE AND INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA
WHAT IS CHILDHOOD ABUSE?
Childhood abuse refers to any mistreatment of a child by a parent, caregiver, or authority figure that results in physical, emotional, or psychological harm. It can take various forms, including:
- Physical abusee: Hitting or physical punishment that causes injury
- Emotional Abuse: Belittling, shaming, or constant criticism
- Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or exploitation
- Neglect: failure to provide for a child's basic needs
HOW IS TRAUMA TRANSMITTED IN GENERATIONS?
Intergenerational transmission of trauma is a phenomenon where trauma experienced by one generation (such as parents or grandparents) is passed down to subsequent generations. This transmission can occur through direct experiences, such as physically abusive parenting styles or emotionally neglectful behaviors perpetuated from one generation to the next. It can also manifest through indirect means, such as the impact of untreated trauma on parenting abilities, attachment styles, and family dynamics.
Adults who were abused as children struggle with forming secure attachments with their children. Growing evidence suggests that maltreatment is reproduced across generations as victims of maltreatment are at an increased risk for maltreatment perpetration.
Children raised in abusive environments show signs of trauma as they struggle with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, and fear of judgment from peers. Without intervention, these patterns perpetuate across generations, impacting family dynamics and parenting styles.
CAN CHILDHOOD TRAUMA CAUSE MENTAL ILLNESS?
When children experience abuse—whether physical, emotional, sexual, or through neglect—their developmental trajectories can be profoundly altered, commonly leading to the development of unhealthy coping behaviors as a means of survival. Healthy psychological traits, including resilience, self-awareness, and empathy, are all learned behaviors. Toxic exposure to stress and trauma in childhood stunts the growth of emotional intelligence, producing long-lasting effects causing difficulties in sleep and poor eating habits.
Childhood abuse increases the risk of mental health disorders, which can persist into adulthood and cause considerable damage to one's personality.
Most commonly observed are personality and mood disorders, such as
CAN CHILDHOOD TRAUMA CAUSE PHYSICAL ILLNESS?
Childhood trauma is associated with a higher prevalence of psychosocial and behavioral factors in adulthood, which significantly contribute to an increased risk of Heart disease. In the systematic review, the authors found that mental health problems, such as depression, partially mediated the association between childhood trauma and cardiovascular diseases in adults. Based on the evidence, the link between heart disease and childhood trauma is intense as many times, physical ailments are preceded by psychological factors such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN:
A history of maltreatment in childhood can cast a long shadow over an adult's life, affecting work and relationships. However, understanding the co-occurrence of abuse and domestic violence in families can be a catalyst for change. Exposure both to abuse directly and to family violence as a witness has particularly adverse effects on parenting and the safety, health, and development of the next generation.
A review of 97 studies on intergenerational trauma and related behaviors has highlighted the potential impact of growing up in a violent family as a key factor in the transmission of trauma across generations. This emphasizes the need for effective intervention and support network to break this toxic cycle for future generations.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Childhood abuse casts a long shadow, extending beyond immediate trauma to affect future generations. The cycle of abuse can be perpetuated through learned behaviors and disrupted attachment patterns, impacting mental health and relationships in subsequent families. Understanding this intergenerational transmission of trauma is crucial for breaking cycles of violence and opening up about the mental health concerns.
Interventions must focus on current survivors and prevent future harm by addressing root causes and protecting children from intergenerational trauma. Addressing both childhood abuse and inter-generational trauma involves therapeutic interventions by a trained mental health professional. Their expertise and guidance are crucial in healing psychological and physical wounds from the past and for breaking the stigma of mental illness. The role of cognitive behavioural therapy in overcoming childhood abuse and dealing with anxieties in trauma survivors is phenomenal. This process, while challenging, offers a path to healing from intergenerational trauma, inspiring hope and encouraging individuals to let go of the past and to take the first step toward a brighter future.
RESOURCES:
1. Banyard VL, Williams LM, Siegel JA. The impact of complex trauma and depression on parenting: an exploration of mediating risk and protective factors. Child Maltreat. 2003 Nov;8(4):334-49. doi: 10.1177/1077559503257106. PMID: 14604179
2. Kisiel, C. L., Fehrenbach, T., Torgersen, E., Stolbach, B., & McClelland, G. (2014). Relational outcomes of childhood sexual abuse: A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 15(4), 195-208.
3. Atherton OE, Graham EK, Dorame AN, Horgan D, Luo J, Nevarez MD, Ferrie JP, Spiro A, Schulz MS, Waldinger RJ, Mroczek DK, Lee LO. Is there intergenerational continuity in early life experiences? Findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development. J Fam Psychol. 2023 Dec;37(8):1123-1136. doi: 10.1037/fam0001144. Epub 2023 Aug 24. PMID: 37616090; PMCID: PMC10841087.
4. Gartland D, Giallo R, Woolhouse H, Mensah F, Brown SJ. Intergenerational Impacts of Family Violence - Mothers and Children in a Large Prospective Pregnancy Cohort Study. EClinicalMedicine. 2019 Aug 19;15:51-61. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.08.008. PMID: 31709414; PMCID: PMC6833344.
Written By:
Rumsha Abdul Aziz, MS Psychology
On July 25, 2024
