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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Transgenerational Trauma (Part III)
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic incidences and abuse exposed from birth to 17 years. The ordeal from these experiences is detrimental to a child’s developing brain, affecting their psychological and psychosocial spheres. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a Kaiser ACE study which listed ten types of ACEs. The study grouped the ACEs into three groups. Abuse Physical abuse – hitting, beating, burning, biting, emotional abuse – bullying, insults, and threats to intentionally harm the child. Sexual abuse – rape, sexual molestation, and stimulation Neglect Physical neglect – abandonment and lack of basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing Emotional neglect – inadequate response to the child’s…
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Epigenetic’s & Transgenerational Trauma (Part II)
While the thought of inheriting trauma seems absurd, there is scientific evidence of its possibility. Exposure to trauma does not trigger mutation, but it does affect gene expression – this is called epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of how the environment and behaviors influence gene expression. Having this trauma-induced inherited gene expression means you can relive your parents’ and grandparents’ trauma. The genes raise your sensitivity to stress, stress response, or enhance your resilience to stress. Epigenetic changes do not alter the DNA sequence. They only interfere with the phenotypic expression of the genome. In other words, the body misinterprets the coded gene sequence of a protein, causing it to…
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Understanding Transgenerational Trauma (Part I)
Several things get passed down through families, such as heirlooms, traditions, behaviors, genetic illnesses, and physical traits. In some cases, trauma can also be inherited. Transgenerational Trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma or historical trauma) is still a moderately new field of study, meaning researchers still have a lot to discover about its impact and how it presents in those who suffer from it. While research on transgenerational trauma continues to develop, researchers like Dr. Joy DeGruy, a clinical psychologist, have paved the way for the crucial conversations about the socialization of trauma in Black families. Dr. DeGruy developed a theory from 12 years of research, known as Post Traumatic…
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Cultural Competence vs. Cultural Responsiveness: Is One More Important Than The Other?
We often discuss cultural responsiveness and cultural competence as if it’s one. Still, there is definitely a need to understand the differences and what they mean. The National Education Association states that cultural competence is having an awareness of your own culture, to identify and view the differences and have the ability to learn and build on different cultural and community norms of others. The National Center for Culturally Responsiveness Educational Systems state that cultural responsiveness is the ability to learn from and relate respectfully to your own culture as well as those cultures around you. So, in perspective, it is one thing to be aware of your lifestyle, the culture of those around…
