ACEs and Intergenerational Trauma
Intergenerational Trauma
Intergenerational trauma occurs when the impacts of past traumatic events are passed from one generation to the next.
Raising awareness of intergenerational trauma and fostering supportive relationships between children and caregivers is crucial to breaking the cycle of ACEs.
How ACEs Pass Between Generations
- Epigenetics: Toxic stress can leave biological “marks” on DNA that influence how certain genes are turned on or off. These epigenetic changes can be passed from parents to children, even if the children are not directly exposed to the original adverse experiences.
- Brain Development: Toxic stress can significantly affect brain development, shaping how children perceive, interpret, and respond to both positive and negative experiences. These changes influence emotional regulation, the stress response, and behaviour across the lifespan. As a result, individuals who experienced ACEs may face ongoing challenges that affect how they relate to and care for their own children.
- Learned Behaviours: Behaviours learned in unsafe or toxic environments can be carried across generations. Children exposed to abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction may develop insecure attachment patterns with caregivers, limited coping skills, and behavioral problems. These patterns can persist into adulthood, affecting relationships, emotional well-being, and the ability to parent with sensitivity, consistency, and warmth.