Intergenerational transmission of trauma in the experiences of young Jewish adults

Abstract

My research falls within a qualitative orientation. The purpose of this study is to show the ways and consequences of intergenerational transmission of trauma as reflected in the life experiences of young adults.  Data were analyzed using a linguistic-narrative method.

In this paper, I look at the intergenerational transmission of trauma in Jewish families as reflected in the life experiences of young adults. They see the consequences of trauma in their loved ones and in themselves. In the case of the former, they can be grouped into three categories: fear of disclosing one's nationality, a special form of which is the prohibition on speaking about one's Jewish origin to one's descendants and the change of name by one's ancestors; overprotectiveness towards one's descendants; and showing emotional distance from them. In turn, the consequences of trauma perceived in the self are: fear of strangers and overprotectiveness towards one's own children.