A qualitative study on transgenerational trauma in emerging adults

Abstract

Objective: Given the potential impact on brain development and social issues related to trauma, better understanding and attending to transgenerational trauma (TT) are necessary. Typically, specific groups are examined when studying TT, which limits research on universal aspects. The present study presents qualitative data from a college sample of emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 23. This study was performed to identify potential indicators of TT.

Method: The Family Impact Study Questionnaire was initially constructed after a literature review and revised after cognitive interviews from a college sample of 11 emerging adults. Fifty-six ethnically diverse participants completed the Family Impact Study Questionnaire.

Results: Findings suggest 10 indicators related to TT. Six indicators, dangerous place, overprotection, parental role reversal, neglect, perceived parental burden, and resilience are consistent with current findings in the literature. Four indicators, no knowledge, no effect, concerns about transference of parental issues, parental behavior as a model, and importance of exposure expand on current findings in the literature.

Conclusions: This research suggests that further development of the Family Impact Study Questionnaire into a mixed methods TT measure would help to advance knowledge of the TT construct. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).