![]() There have also been several epidemiological studies which suggest parental exposure to trauma and stress, inadequate nutrition, and toxicants can impact the health of descendants across several generations ( 29, 30, 31). Since that initial publication, multiple investigators have reported elevated rates of psychological distress in the children ( 24, 25) and grandchildren ( 26, 27, 28) of Holocaust survivors. The concept of generational trauma was first introduced in 1967 by Vivian Rakoff who recorded markedly elevated rates of psychological distress among children of Holocaust survivors ( 22, 23). Through transgenerational epigenetic mechanisms, grandchildren and great grandchildren can be negatively impacted by ancestral traumas – even when they have not been directly exposed to any harm themselves ( 20, 21). Emerging data now also suggests that adversities and traumas in one generation, can be passed down to affect the health and well‐being of future generations. ![]() It is well established that personal experiences of trauma, adversity, and discrimination can “get under the skin” and increase risk for a whole host of negative psychiatric ( 8, 9, 10) and medical health problems ( 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) through stress, brain, epigenetic, and immune system mechanisms ( 7, 18, 19). Historical trauma and ongoing systemic racism has a toll, not just on the psyche of African Americans, but on their physical health as well ( 4, 5, 6, 7). ![]() Since Africans were first brought to this continent against their will by the Spanish in 1526 ( 1), government and societally sanctioned atrocities against African descendants have continued ( 2, 3). The pandemic and the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and others have shined a spotlight on health disparities and systemic racism in this country. In addressing ancestral traumas, however, true healing will require acknowledgement of the harms that were done, and broader systemic level changes. While most research on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has been conducted in animals, studies in humans have shown ancestor's exposure to trauma, poor nutrition, and toxic chemicals can impact the health of descendants across several generations.Ī role for evidence‐based trauma treatments, culturally adapted prevention and intervention programs, and enrichment opportunities is strongly indicated to reduce and prevent the impact of personal and ancestral adversities. Ancestral traumas can negatively impact the well‐being of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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