1. VIDEO ESSAY: Intergenerational Trauma

Research Question: To what extent is intergenerational trauma a product of genetics and environment and how can we take steps to heal it?

Learning objectives:

• Explain how epigenetics contribute to intergenerational trauma.

• Explain how stress can affect brain development.

• Explain how interpersonal relationships contribute to intergenerational trauma.

• Evaluate treatments of intergenerational trauma.

Trauma is a significant area of focus in Clinical Psychology. However, trauma does not only manifest through abnormal behavior, but also physically - changes in brain structure, and other health related issues.

Minorities are more likely to have physical and mental health problems (Park, 2021), of which many convince themselves are because of dispositional attribution, but I argue that there is a bigger picture to consider here: intergenerational trauma, and other structures that make the origins of these problems outside of the person and first-hand experiences of trauma.

In this video essay I discuss genetic and relational causes of intergenerational trauma, and suggest and evaluate treatment methods.

References are included in a separate page.

(Rough) Transcript

IT PSYC 304.pdf

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