Generational Trauma, Attachment, and Spiritual/Religious Interventions

Abstract

A heightened interest in posttraumatic stress disorder has arisen in the light of current world events, such as 9/11, the ongoing war against terrorism, and violent acts of ethnic cleansing. However, the effect of traumatic stress upon the next generation has not been steadily addressed. The phenomenon of generational trauma as a secondary form of trauma that may be passed down to subsequent generations through various means of psychological transference is reviewed by means of attachment theory. Spiritual/religious forms of interventions may be of help in mitigating the harmful consequences of severe trauma in the lives of trauma survivors and its generational effects in the lives of their offspring.

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Notes on contributors

Marilyn Doucet

Marilyn Doucet completed her master's in counseling and spirituality from St. Paul University in Ottawa and is now in private practice.

Martin Rovers

Martin Rovers is a professor and supervisor in the Faculty of Human Sciences at St. Paul University. His areas of specialization are: marriage and family, family of origin, attachment theory, and spiritual care.