How Trauma Is Passed Down Through Generations: The Epigenetics of Inherited Stress

Emerging research in the fields of genetics and psychology is beginning to illuminate a compelling and complex phenomenon: the transmission of trauma across generations. Beyond learned behaviors or familial narratives, we now understand that severe stress and adversity can leave measurable biological imprints—epigenetic modifications—that shape gene expression across generations. This evolving science offers a framework for understanding how historical and relational wounds may continue to influence mental and physical health long after the original trauma trigger has dissipated. 

What Is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors, such as stress, diet, and traumatic life experiences, can change the way our genes work. 

Think of your DNA as a script—it contains the full set of instructions for building and running your body. Epigenetics is like the director who decides which parts of that script get read out loud and which parts are skipped. This process happens through chemical tags that attach to DNA or the proteins around it, leading to changes in how certain genes are expressed. In some cases, these changes can be passed down to future generations.

Trauma and the Genetic Switchboard

Experiencing trauma, especially early in life, can affect how genes involved in one’s stress response are expressed. These changes can make a person more reactive to stress, more prone to anxiety, or more sensitive to perceived threats.

Studies have found this to be true across multiple populations:

• Descendants of Holocaust survivors have been found to have altered cortisol levels (a key hormone in stress regulation).

• Children of people who lived through famines (like the Dutch Hunger Winter) show different genetic markers that impact metabolism and mental health.

• Indigenous and marginalized communities impacted by colonization, forced displacement, slavery, or systemic violence often show similar patterns of inherited stress and health disparities.

This isn’t just psychology. It’s biology.

More Than Just Inheritance

It is important to note that epigenetics does not equal destiny. Inherited genetic traits can increase sensitivity or vulnerability, but they don’t guarantee someone will suffer from mental health issues or chronic stress.

In fact, healing also leaves a mark. Positive experiences - like loving relationships, stable environments, and therapeutic interventions - can help shift gene expression towards a healthier direction. This is called epigenetic plasticity, and it gives us hope: we may inherit wounds, but we also inherit the power to heal them.

Why This Matters

Understanding epigenetics may help to explain:

• The effects of significant trauma or stress can ripple across generations, even when the original traumatic event is not consciously remembered.

• Families and communities need support not just to cope with present-day challenges, but to process long-standing wounds.

• Healing must be both individual and collective. Addressing systemic injustices is not just socially necessary—it’s biologically urgent.

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Final Thoughts

The science of epigenetics doesn’t replace personal stories of trauma—it validates them. It helps connect the dots between history, biology, and emotion. And it reminds us that healing doesn’t stop with one person; it reverberates through generations.

Trauma may travel through family lines, but so can resilience.

Trauma Therapy Denver, Colorado

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Experiencing trauma, especially early in life, can affect how genes involved in one’s stress response are expressed. These changes can make a person more reactive to stress, more prone to anxiety, or more sensitive to perceived threats. Our skilled therapists at Authentic Connections Therapy and Wellness can help you understand how environmental factors, such as stress, diet, and traumatic life experiences, can change the way our genes work. Follow the steps below to get started.

1. We encourage you to get to know a little bit about our therapists, their specializations, and their credentials. Get to know our therapists here.

2. If you think Trauma Therapy is for you, reach out to us! You can use our convenient online consultation scheduling here.

3. Begin the exciting journey of connecting the dots between history, biology, and emotion.

We hope to hear from you soon!