Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the protective and risk factors for transmission of trauma across generations for Black women and their daughters. Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following research questions: What are the protective factors of intergenerational trauma among Black women and their children? What are the risk factors of intergenerational trauma among Black women and their children? Research shows that trauma experienced by African Americans due to systemic oppression is transmitted across generations, particularly through maternal influence. Many Black Americans exhibit behaviors, such as hypervigilance and distrust, which become normalized and are often passed down as survival mechanisms. Maternal trauma is linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and negative parenting, perpetuating trauma-informed behaviors. Identifying protective factors may inform interventions to strengthen resilience within affected communities. Participants were 4 pairs (eight total participants) of Black women and their daughters. The data collection method included 45 minute interviews , one for the daughter and a separate one for the mother of each pair. Results indicated that daughters whose mother had coping mechanisms were more likely to pass on similar behaviors to their daughters and those who had behaviors such as hypervigilance or distrust were more likely to pass similar behaviors onto their daughters or a ‘mirroring effect’. Implications of the results for future studies include testing the validity of interventions based on the findings of this study or changing the participant criteria such as inviting fathers and sons to participate. The results of this study can contribute to the field of psychology and help initiate positive change for culturally relevant interventions for people of color.