This is exactly what you want to hear: Trauma and trauma responses can pass on to future generations. In this idyllic, stress-free world, it might not seem like much of an issue. Everything’s fine, right?
It’s a complex story, and it doesn’t get simpler.
In essence:
Trauma, particularly early childhood trauma, affects epigenetic sectors. These are “volume controls” on the behaviors of affected genes.
The overall genetic effects are called “phenotype plasticity”. This is adaption to environmental stressors, including diet, and in humans, even culture.
If you’re thinking that this looks very much like core evolutionary adaptation, so it is. At a purely abstract level, it looks normal. Of course, it’s not that easy. For individuals, stress can become a constant reality.
Cortisol levels can be a problem after severe stress. Cortisol is produced by the adrenals, appropriately enough, but too much can be a serious problem. The cortisol link includes a list of issues that may help people with stress management issues.
Because these stress factors are also hormonal, they can be passed on to the next generations. Parents include a lot of genetic variations.
The links include most of the key information on how “generational stress” works biologically. I want to focus on the stress factors rather than the biology.
Generations Z and Alpha are growing up in an extremely stressful environment. They’re effectively drifting on the tides of stress caused by economics, politics, and their own local environments. These factors are major stresses.
In context of generational trauma, consider these issues:
Just living. Life has become horrifically expensive and ultra-complex. The cost of living crisis hasn’t been addressed in any meaningful way for years. It’s now an academic ornament, not a problem to be solved.
The life path certainties of the past are pretty much gone, and AI will decimate personal finances from top to bottom of society.
Health issues are truly chronic worldwide, and the multiple related stresses are horrendous.
The social structures in many countries simply don’t work anymore. There is no social vision and no social objectivity. It’s sink or swim, and you and your kids are paying for it.
Generations Z and Alpha are starting to look like they’ll be literally foraging for income, food, accommodation, and pretty much all the essentials.
Disinformation and hysteria cause added stress. Both are at plague proportions. This world in no way resembles a healthy environment for kids or anyone else.
You could wind up with generations of chronic depression.
These absolute basics are all huge stress factors for the overwhelming majority of humanity. From macro to micro, it’s truly hideous. When a single bill or payment can disrupt your life, are you likely to be stressed, yes or no?
Stress carries over into physical behavior. Mistakes and misjudgments are part of the process. Result: more stress. Sick people can’t function well, and their conditions are aggravated by stress.
A sane, low-stress society is now a must-have survival essential. Where do you buy one?
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Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Digital Journal or its members.
