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Intergenerational Trauma: Assessment in Biological Mothers and Preschool Children

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Abstract

Childhood trauma can lead to lifelong detrimental outcomes. Intergenerational trauma should be considered when supporting healthy parent–child relationships. Research is needed on intergenerational trauma in relation to children’s negative life event exposure, which could compound intergenerational trauma. We examined the prevalence of and relations between mother and child traumas in a sample of 88 biological mothers and their preschool-aged children. We coded child negative life events to examine those related to intergenerational trauma. Results showed that mother traumas and child negative life events were positively associated; subtypes of mothers’ traumas (abuse, neglect) and high trauma levels were associated with higher numbers of child negative life events, including those tied to parent trauma. It is necessary to consider how childhood trauma in adults and children is measured, and what analyses can reveal about the intergenerational context, especially considering compounding current, stressful world events.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Society for the Study of School Psychology Early Career Research Award to Dr. Nicole Giuliani.

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  1. College of Education, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA

    Emily D. Walden, Jillian C. Hamilton, Ellie Harrington, Sheila Lopez, Antonella Onofrietti-Magrassi, Michelle Mauricci, Shaina Trevino, Nicole Giuliani & Laura Lee McIntyre

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  1. Emily D. Walden
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Walden, E.D., Hamilton, J.C., Harrington, E. et al. Intergenerational Trauma: Assessment in Biological Mothers and Preschool Children. Journ Child Adol Trauma 15, 307–317 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00397-3

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