Passing Down Pain: A Qualitative Study of Adult Children's Perceptions of Intergenerational Trauma

Published on April 13, 2026

J Genet Psychol. 2026 Apr 10:1-16. doi: 10.1080/00221325.2026.2656316. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study examines the intergenerational transmission of trauma by exploring how adult children perceive and make sense of their experiences. Drawing on in-depth, open-ended interviews with 15 participants, the study investigates participants' understanding of how trauma is transmitted within families, its psychological and relational impacts, and the coping strategies employed. Thematic analysis identified key mechanisms through which trauma was transmitted, including patterns of harsh parenting, socioeconomic adversity, and unresolved parental trauma. These inherited patterns significantly shaped participants' mental health, self-concept, and interpersonal relationships, commonly manifesting as anxiety, low self-worth, and difficulties with intimacy. Coping strategies varied, ranging from resilience-building and seeking social support to boundary-setting and emotional disengagement. The findings underscore the enduring influence of familial trauma and highlight the importance of trauma-informed interventions that address both individual and relational dimensions of healing.

PMID:41960727 | DOI:10.1080/00221325.2026.2656316

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