What is historical trauma?
Historical trauma concerns emotional and psychological wounds that last all their lives and pass from one generation to another. The theory focuses on modern psychological and physical illness stemming from past events caused by racial, religious or ethnic group. Historical trauma is based on the belief that unresolved grief of abuse in the past is passed on from parents to offspring and corresponds to countless problems in certain cultures.
One example of a historical trauma studied focuses considerably on indigenous American populations that experience a higher degree of alcoholism, suicide, diabetes, depression and pregnancy of adolescent than the ordinary population. American Indians affect a high level of imprisonment and domestic abuse. Historical trauma looks at bad treatment of these nations early American settlers, missionaries and educators, and how this history affects contemporary behavior.
Some scientists believe that narration of stories about how these people were excludedČeni from their country and limited to distant reservations contribute to social and physical problems. The native Americans tend to re -experience injustice and pass on feelings of loss to children, experts found. One study theorized natives believe that suffering for trauma in the past is a way to honor your ancestors.
psychologists working with these groups try to help people understand history as the root of their current problems. The aim is to solve the unresolved grief that contributes to the relationship and personal problems without forgetting the past. Historical trauma is considered to be a relatively innovative concept in sociology and psychology in the field of mental health.
Opponent Theory believes that current trauma determines current health problems. For example, they are looking for incidents of domestic abuse that could lead to alcoholism and depression. When people Become depressing or victims of abusefacing greater risks of physical diseases and is less likely to seek medical treatment, opponents say.
Historical trauma is also the subject of study including Jewish Holocaust survivors, African -American descendants of slavery and war veterans. It examines how the deprivation and pain of the group from external events in history affect the following generations. In war veterans, the effects of post -traumatic stress disorders can affect parental skills.
One study immerses how individual memories evolve into collective memories between these groups of people. This can apply especially to people who have been limited because of their race, ethnicity or religion. If there has been starvation, physical or sexual abuse or serious punishment, the pain remains in their collective consciousness and, according to the study, is handed over from generation to generation.