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Is the Holocaust implicated in posttraumatic growth in second-generation Holocaust survivors? A prospective study
Sharon Dekel1, Christine Mandl, Zahava Solomon
1Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. dekel.sharon@gmail.com
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Second-generation Holocaust survivors reported less posttraumatic growth (PTG) after combat trauma than those without survivor parents. This suggests intergenerational trauma transmission may impact offspring
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Growing interest in posttraumatic growth (PTG).
- Ongoing debate on transgenerational trauma transmission.
- Need to understand PTG in offspring exposed to trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine posttraumatic growth (PTG) in Holocaust survivor offspring.
- To investigate PTG longitudinally following subsequent trauma exposure.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of Israeli male combat veterans (1973 Yom Kippur War).
- Assessed PTG at two time points (30 and 35 years post-war).
- Compared veterans with (n=43) and without (n=156) Holocaust survivor parents.
Main Results:
- Contrary to hypothesis, second-generation survivors reported less PTG.
- Deficits observed in PTG domains: relations to others, personal strength, appreciation of life.
- Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and trauma exposure were also assessed.
Conclusions:
- Transgenerational trauma transmission may negatively impact offspring's PTG.
- Findings suggest intergenerational trauma may hinder positive outcomes after subsequent trauma.
- Further research needed on trauma transmission and positive outcomes.
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