Transgenerational trauma, also referred to as intergenerational or multigenerational trauma, is the transmission of trauma across generations. This type of trauma is passed down from those who directly experienced catastrophic events—such as war, genocide, or systemic oppression—to their descendants, typically offspring.

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Trauma can be passed down genetically or environmentally. Today, various studies have evidenced that trauma can affect genes through epigenetic modifications. In 2021, a scientific study was conducted to assess if there was any significant genetic impact on children born from women survivors who were pregnant during the 1994 genocide against the Tusti in Rwanda. The study’s findings showed a correlation between genocide exposure and epigenetics modifications in mothers and their children. Other results showed unique biological vulnerability affecting brain health in mothers who were exposed to the genocide while pregnant, and their children.

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Although younger generations may not have directly experienced the traumatic event, they still suffer from its emotional, psychological, and physical impacts.

Transgenerational trauma often originates from large-scale, collective tragedies. These events, which devastate entire communities, affect subsequent generations even if they were not alive during the trauma.

Some notable examples include:

Slavery in the United States: African Americans, subjected to generations of slavery, continue to experience the lasting effects of violence, dehumanization, and systemic racism. Even after slavery was abolished, racial segregation and injustice persisted, with these issues impacting descendants to this day.

The holocaust: Survivors of the genocide of Jews during World War II carried profound psychological scars. Their descendants, despite not experiencing the Holocaust firsthand, often suffer from heightened anxiety, depression, and guilt—a phenomenon known as "Holocaust survivor syndrome.”

Indigenous peoples’ colonization: Native Americans, Aboriginal peoples, and first nations communities have endured forced assimilation, cultural erasure, and land dispossession, resulting in cycles of trauma that manifest in modern generations through poverty, mental health disorders, and substance abuse.

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The 1994 Genocide against Tutsi: The brutal genocide that claimed nearly one million Tutsi lives in Rwanda left survivors traumatized by the loss of loved ones and mass violence. Today, their children and grandchildren carry the emotional and psychological burdens of these events. In addition, some children born from genocide perpetrators have also manifested signs of trauma.

While there is still more research to be done on plausible biological causes, descendants of the genocide perpetrators struggle with environmentally transmitted trauma. These are feelings of guilt, and shame which lead to isolation, challenging social relationships and eventually can result in clinical disorders such as depression.

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Those affected by this type of trauma often display certain signs and symptoms. These can manifest in different psychological, emotional, and behavioural symptoms. Some of these include;

Anxiety and depression: Descendants of trauma survivors often experience high levels of anxiety, depression, or an overwhelming sense of danger without a clear cause.

Emotional dysregulation: they do struggle with managing emotions, which may lead to intense reactions such as anger or fear.

Trust issues: Survivors’ descendants may have difficulty forming close relationships or trusting others, sometimes due to fears of abandonment.

Hypervigilance: Survivors often have a constant state of alertness, every so often accompanied by exaggerated responses to perceived threats.

Dysfunctional coping mechanisms: This may include substance abuse, self-harm, or avoidance behaviours.

Guilt and shame: Feelings of survivor’s guilt or shame tied to family history can persist in future generations.

Cultural loss and identity confusion: The effects of colonization, genocide, and assimilation can lead to a loss of cultural identity, causing confusion over heritage and belonging.

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Fostering healing

Breaking the cycle of transgenerational trauma requires intervention at the individual, family, and community levels. Some key preventive measures include:

Psychotherapy and counselling: Trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative therapy can help individuals and families process trauma and develop coping skills.

Education and awareness: Raising awareness about the effects of transgenerational trauma and educating people about historical events can help individuals recognize the signs and seek help.

Cultural reconnection: Reconnecting with cultural roots and traditions can restore a sense of identity and belonging to descendants of trauma survivors.

Community support: Strong community networks, where individuals can share experiences and support one another, help reduce feelings of isolation.

Intergenerational dialogue: Encouraging conversations about past traumas between older and younger generations can facilitate understanding, healing, and resilience.

The case for Rwanda

In Rwanda, the effects of the 1994 genocide against the Tusti continue to shape the psycho-social health of both survivors, their descendants and some reformed genocide perpetrators and their descendants. This impact goes on to show the deep and prevalent consequences of violence. Addressing this trauma requires a holistic approach including acknowledgement, truth-telling, and reconciliation efforts to insure solid collective healing.

Significant efforts have been made to support those affected.

Organizations like Ibuka and others have provided trauma counselling and mental health support across Rwanda. In collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), community healing groups have been created and facilitators trained to lead safe spaces for healing dialogues in rural areas.

Reconciliation and healing programmes such as the Gacaca courts promoted truth-telling, forgiveness, and reintegration, helping survivors and perpetrators alike to heal.

Youth and community support initiatives by organizations like Never Again Rwanda educate the youth about the 1994 genocide and promote mental health awareness, helping address the root causes of transgenerational trauma.

Cultural restoration has also been critical. The Ndi Umunyarwanda campaign played a vital role in rebuilding cultural pride and identity, fostering resilience, and restoring a sense of belonging.

Addressing the lasting impacts of transgenerational trauma, particularly in the aftermath of tragedies like the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, requires multi-level approaches that include mental health support, community healing, and cultural restoration. By working together, Rwanda is paving the way for future generations to break free from the weight of inherited trauma.

The writer is a clinical psychologist