The effects of epigenetics on transgenerational trauma and brain anatomy

Transgenerational trauma is defined as the inheritance of psychological and physiological symptoms of trauma through multiple generations. For instance, when a parent has experienced a traumatic event, symptoms can manifest through biological mechanisms. Notably, studies have shown that epigenetics, defined as environmental influences on genetics, can affect DNA and cause transgenerational trauma. Research shows that the offspring of parents with trauma exposure are more likely to develop biological changes, which can induce developmental arrest, cognitive impairments, and increased prevalence of mood disorders. These factors hinder the offspring’s ability to perform well socially and impair their learning capabilities. Furthermore, transgenerational trauma can play a role in the child’s development due to in utero exposure to stress hormones, therefore priming the offspring towards higher levels of susceptibility to stress and other social factors. This review aims to further elucidate the current state of research regarding the underpinnings and effects of transgenerational trauma, representing a complex combination of epigenetics and biological changes.