Can Trauma Be Inherited? New Study Reveals Shocking Truth

Violence and trauma can leave deep scars, not just emotionally but also genetically. A recent study from the University of Florida provides the first human evidence that stress and trauma can alter genes and pass those changes down to future generations.

Historical Tragedy and Genetic Changes

In 1982, the Syrian government launched a violent attack on the city of Hama, killing tens of thousands of people. Decades later, the effects of that trauma remain—not just in the memories of survivors but also in the genes of their grandchildren.
Researchers found that the grandchildren of women who were pregnant during the siege of Hama carried genetic marks linked to the stress their grandmothers experienced. This discovery suggests that trauma can be inherited, a phenomenon previously observed only in animals.

Understanding Epigenetics: How Stress Alters Genes

While life experiences do not change our actual DNA, they can modify how genes function through a process called epigenetics. In response to stress, cells add tiny chemical markers to genes. These markers can turn genes on or off, potentially influencing health and behaviour. Scientists believe these changes may help individuals adapt to stressful environments, but their long-term effects are still being studied.

The Study

To investigate this phenomenon, Dr. Connie Mulligan from the University of Florida collaborated with Dr. Rana Dajani of Hashemite University in Jordan and Dr. Catherine Panter-Brick from Yale University. Their study focused on three generations of Syrian families who had migrated to Jordan.

Three Groups for Comparison

Hama Survivors and Their Descendants – Families who lived through the 1982 massacre.
Recent War Survivors – Families who experienced the ongoing Syrian civil war.
Pre-1980 Immigrants – Families who moved to Jordan before 1980 and did not experience the violence in Syria (used as a control group).

The researchers collected cheek swabs from 138 individuals across 48 families to analyze their DNA for epigenetic changes.

Key Findings: Trauma Passed Through Generations

14 genetic sites were altered in the grandchildren of Hama survivors, suggesting that their bodies still carry the stress of past trauma.
21 epigenetic changes were found in people who directly experienced violence in Syria.
Children exposed to violence while in the womb showed signs of accelerated biological ageing, which may increase their risk of age-related diseases later in life.

Why These Findings Matter

The study highlights how stress and trauma may contribute to long-term health issues, possibly explaining cycles of poverty, abuse, and mental health struggles seen in many communities worldwide.
This research also emphasizes that violence has lasting biological consequences. It is not just a personal or societal issue—it is a public health concern.

Broader Implications: Beyond War Trauma

The findings are not limited to war survivors. The same epigenetic responses could occur in people exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault, or gun violence.
Dr. Mulligan urges policymakers to take these insights seriously. Understanding the biological impact of trauma can help shape interventions to support survivors and break the cycle of inherited stress.

A Story of Survival and Strength

Despite the trauma, the Syrian families in the study displayed remarkable resilience. Even after experiencing war and hardship, they continued to build lives, nurture families, and preserve traditions.
Dr. Mulligan notes that resilience is a key part of the human experience. While genetic marks of stress may linger, so does the strength to overcome adversity.

Looking Ahead

Scientists are still exploring the full effects of these epigenetic changes. Some may have little impact, while others could influence health conditions such as diabetes or obesity. More research is needed to understand how these changes shape human health and behaviour in the long run.

Conclusion

This study provides crucial insights into how violence affects not just individuals but also their descendants. It reinforces the importance of addressing trauma early and supporting affected communities. By acknowledging the biological impact of violence, society can take meaningful steps toward healing and prevention.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.