A New Look at Transgenerational Trauma Transmission: Second‐Generation Latino Immigrant Youth

Abstract

Transgenerational trauma, which was first documented in the 1960s to describe trauma symptoms experienced by descendants of holocaust survivors, has been linked to psychological and physiological transmission factors. Although traumatization still occurs among contemporary immigrant groups, particularly Latino immigrants, little attention has been paid to the experiences of these individuals. The authors present the relevant cultural considerations and conditions that support the need for proactive assessment of transgenerational trauma in u.S.-born Latino youth.El trauma transgeneracional, que fue documentado por primera vez en los años 60 para describir los síntomas de trauma experimentados por descendientes de los supervivientes del holocausto, ha sido relacionado con factores de transmisión psicológicos y fisiológicos. Aunque la traumatización todavía ocurre entre grupos de inmigrantes en la actualidad, particularmente en inmigrantes latinos, se ha prestado escasa atención a las experiencias de estos individuos. Los autores presentan las consideraciones y condiciones culturales relevantes que apoyan la necesidad de realizar una evaluación proactiva del trauma transgeneracional en la población de jóvenes latinos nacidos en los Estados unidos.

Latinx/@ immigrant inclusion trajectories: Individual agency, structural constraints, and the role of community-based organizations in immigrant mobilities.

“…Forms of violence experienced by undocumented migrants include those associated with threats, verbal abuse, arbitrary detention based on ethnicity, as well as physical and sexual violence, all of which have been shown to affect migrants during their transit to the United States (Infante, Idrovo, Sánchez-Domínguez, Vinhas, & González-Vázquez, 2012). In addition, family separation and fear of deportation among undocumented immigrants can further compound the effects of trauma (Perreira & Ornelas, 2013; Phipps & Degges-White, 2014).…”

Trauma, immigration, and sexual health among Latina women: Implications for maternal–child well‐being and reproductive justice

“…Mothers in a deeply traumatized state have more difficulty performing the basic tasks of attunement and mirroring necessary for healthy attachment with their child, who thus experiences relational trauma (Schore, ). Greater understanding of these mechanisms along with increased screening for Latino immigrant families, especially pregnant and new mothers and their infants, are essential to mitigate the effects of transgenerational trauma (Phipps & Degges‐White, ). Traumatic stress, violence exposure, and associations with reproductive justice, policy, and healthcare have been understudied.…”

Toward Understanding Mental Health Concerns for the Latinx Immigrant Student: A Review of the Literature

“…Latinx immigrants entering without legal documentation are forced to make longer transits, which makes them more susceptible to victimization, isolation, and discrimination (Infante et al, 2012;Perreira & Ornelas, 2011;Phipps & Degges-White, 2014;Shihadeh & Barranco, 2013). Unauthorized migration and the conditions it creates have the potential to make undocumented immigrants more prone to mental health issues, but there is little research done with this population, particularly studies focusing specifically on undocumented Latinx immigrant youth.…”

“…Transgenerational trauma further expands the severity of traumatic migration experiences on mental health concerns of entire families and across multiple generations. Phipps and Degges-White (2014) found that Latinx families are extremely prone to transgenerational trauma due to their strong sense of familismo (e.g., strong loyalty to family, both immediate and extended). The oral history that is traditional of Latinx families is passed on and includes traumatic events, the content of which young Latinxs grow up internalizing as well as the negative emotions of the caretaker(s).…”