Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in gene expression that don’t involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic inheritance shows how experiences, traumas, and environmental factors can influence the way genes are expressed, and these changes can be passed down to future generations.
A Yale University study found that epigenetic changes are involved in the inheritance of traumas and negative family scenarios. These changes affect emotional responses, financial behavior, and relationship outcomes. In simpler terms, the psychological and emotional struggles that our ancestors faced can influence our thoughts, actions, and decisions—often without us being aware of it.
Example: The Holocaust Impact on Generational Trauma
The Holocaust serves as one of the most profound examples of how trauma can be passed down through generations. Research indicates that the children of Holocaust survivors exhibit significant emotional and psychological challenges, even though they did not directly experience the traumatic events themselves. Studies show that the descendants of Holocaust survivors may carry heightened levels of anxiety, fear of scarcity, and chronic stress—emotions deeply rooted in the trauma of the previous generation. This is an example of how traumatic experiences, passed down through epigenetic inheritance, can affect people long after the original event.
For example, the University of California conducted a study showing that descendants of survivors of extreme trauma like the Holocaust had altered stress response systems compared to the general population. These inherited emotional responses can influence their financial decisions, their relationships, and even their health.