The Transmission of Trauma from Mother to Infant: Radioactive Residues and Counter-Transference in the Case of a Haitian Mother and Her Two-Year-Old Son^*

* The research is conducted with two research laboratories: PCPP EA 4056 Paris Descartes University and Inserm U1178

ABSTRACT

Close observation of the interactions between a traumatised mother and her infant son provides information on the modes of transmission of psychic trauma in the mother–infant dyad. Following the presentation of a current literature review on the theme, the subject of “radioactive residue” and counter-transference in the transmission of psychic trauma from mother to infant will be illustrated through a clinical case study that focuses on a Haitian mother and her two-year-old infant son who has been referred to a “transitional care nursery” in urban Paris. The encounter with this mother–infant dyad is analysed through observing the quality of the interactions that take place between the mother and infant in order to determine how a particularly traumatic narrative impacts the mother–infant relationship, in addition to relations with the clinician. Mother and infant respond to one another through the emission and reception of “radioactive residues” as hypothesized by Gampel. This clinical case study shows that there is a need to consider transcultural factors and collective experience and history when analysing traumatic events. Additionally, the case study shows that counter-transference can be an effective clinical tool for gaining access to an infant's experience as the recipient of a traumatic narrative.

KEYWORDS:

• Trauma
• mother–infant dyad
• mother–infant transmission
• transcultural
• counter-transference
• radioactive residue
• attachment theory

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on Contributors

Marion Feldman, PhD., Maître de conférences HDR in clinical psychology, Clinical Psychologist, Researcher PCPP EA 4056, University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Psychology Institute and Inserm U1178, PCPP EA4056.

Elisabetta Dozio, Clinical Psychologist Action Contre la Faim, Paris, PhD candidate, PCPP EA 4056, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Psychology Institute, PCPP EA4056.

Mayssa’ El Husseini, PhD., Clinical Psychologist, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Resarchear Inserm U1178.

Elise Drain, Child psychiatrist, Avicenne hospital, researcher Inserm U1178.

Rahmeth Radjack, Child psychiatrist, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Researcher Inserm U1178.

Marie Rose Moro, Pr, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France. Researcher PCPP EA 4056, University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Psychology Institute and Inserm U1178.

Notes

* The research is conducted with two research laboratories: PCPP EA 4056 Paris Descartes University and Inserm U1178