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Access Type
WSU Access
Date of Award
January 2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Marjorie Beeghly
Abstract
Previous research has found that trauma exposure is prevalent internationally and may have profound effects. Additionally, the symptoms of trauma exposure can be passed from one generation to the next, potentially through the mechanisms of parenting behaviors and family narratives. The current study drew from these areas of research to examine intergenerational trauma through an attachment-based, family narrative, cultural lens based in qualitative methodology. Ten parents of very young children whose families experienced traumatic experiences took part in interviews. Interviews explored their ancestor’s traumatic experiences, the effects of the traumatic experiences on their parents, their parents’ parenting behaviors, and their experiences parenting their own children. Main findings explored families’ openness or quietness toward talking about traumatic events, impacts of avoiding discussion on processing trauma, generational differences in emotional openness, the effects of avoiding discussion on parenting behaviors, desires to “break cycles” of intergenerational trauma, cultural norms surrounding the discussion of trauma, and the effect of trauma on interrupting cultural engagement. Implications and future directions are outlined.
Recommended Citation
Goletz, Jess, "We Are All Storykeepers: An Exploration Of Intergenerational Trauma, Family Narratives, And Culture" (2025). Wayne State University Dissertations. 4225.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_dissertations/4225