korean intergenerational trauma dissertation

The psychological and physical result of distressing experiences is known to affect more than just the primary experiencers of such trauma and can span over several generations (Hanover, 1981). By promoting the benefits of such an interdisciplinary approach we attempt to break up silos between disciplines and encourage collaboration between academics from various backgrounds researching this topic to better serve individuals impacted by TTT. Lastly, this report advocates a biopsychosocial approach – an interdisciplinary model using the interplay of biological, psychological, and social-environmental factors – to research TTT. Moreover, it discusses several methods of trauma assessment and the related challenges and benefits.

This report aims to outline several pathways (biological, psychological, and sociological) by which trauma may be transmitted across generations. Since then, TTT has been observed in several contexts, including within families who have experienced high rates historical trauma (O’Neill et al., 2016), within regions high-frequencies of historical war and terrorism (Yehuda & Lehrner, 2018) and those who have undergone famine (Ahmed, 2010). Observational studies on children of holocaust survivors formed the basis of this trajectory of research (Rakoff, 1966), and eventually this phenomenon became referred to as the transgenerational transmission of trauma (TTT). Transgenerational transmission of trauma effects has been recorded, demonstrating that on some level, the exposure to trauma of one generation can impact individuals of a subsequent generation (Yehuda & Lehrner, 2018). Knowledge in this area could lead to the development of effective prevention strategies (e.g., mental health services for parents, family/dyadic interventions) to break harmful intergenerational cycles of violence.Ĭhild maltreatment intergenerational continuity prevalence protective factors risk factors.Since Myers ( 1915) coined the term ‘shell shock’ to define the prolonged suffering of soldiers returning from the Great War, the psychological and physical result of distressing experiences, known as trauma, has been of academic interest. Continued efforts to uncover the mechanisms associated with the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment using strong methodological designs are necessary. Major limitations of reviewed studies are discussed. Prevalence rates of continuity ranged from 7% to 88%. Results indicate that parents' individual characteristics (e.g., mental health, age), childhood adversity (e.g., multiple forms of adversity), relational (e.g., couples' adjustment, attachment, social support), and contextual factors (e.g., disadvantage, community violence) are relevant to the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment. A final sample of 51 papers was retained, 33 providing data on risk and protective factors and 18 providing only prevalence data. There was no limit regarding the date of publication, except for theses/dissertations (5 years). Studies involving human participants, presenting original findings, written in French or English, and of any type of design were included. A search in six major databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, Medline, Social Work Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations/Theses, and Web of Science) was conducted. A secondary objective was to document the prevalence of this phenomenon. Since several studies have investigated risk and protective factors associated with the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment over the past decades, and no systematic review of the literature is available, this scoping review aimed to summarize studies documenting associated psychosocial risk and protective factors.

However, a significant proportion of maltreated parents break these cycles. Child maltreatment tends to show intergenerational continuity.

Korean intergenerational trauma dissertation