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Disorganizing experiences in second- and third-generation holocaust survivors.
1Department of Counseling and Human Development, Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel. scharfm@construct.haifa.ac.il
Qualitative Health Research
|December 30, 2010
Summary
Second-generation Holocaust survivors face psychological distress due to intergenerational transmission of trauma. Their experiences, though not always qualifying as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be disorganizing, impacting basic needs and leading to distress.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Intergenerational Studies
Background:
- Second-generation Holocaust survivors may experience psychological distress without direct PTSD symptoms.
- Aversive experiences, even if not overtly traumatic, can have disorganizing effects across generations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify themes of disorganizing experiences in second-generation Holocaust survivors.
- To understand how these experiences impact psychological distress and intergenerational functioning.
Main Methods:
- In-depth interviews were conducted with 196 second-generation Holocaust survivor parents and their adolescent children.
- Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns in their experiences.
Main Results:
- Three key themes emerged: focus on survival, lack of emotional resources, and coercion to please parents.
- These themes reflect the frustration of basic needs (competence, relatedness, autonomy) and lead to disorganization.
- Frustration of needs was linked to feelings of instability, incomprehensibility, and helplessness.
Conclusions:
- Intergenerational transmission of trauma significantly impacts psychological well-being.
- Understanding these disorganizing mechanisms is crucial for therapists treating families affected by historical trauma.
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