Intergenerational trauma in Latinxs: A scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intergenerational trauma involves emotional and psychological harm passed down through generations.
• Latinx populations face heightened vulnerability due to colonialism, political violence, and migration stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on intergenerational trauma within Latinx communities.
• To examine how intergenerational trauma is conceptualized, operationalized, and transmitted.
• To identify gaps and propose future research directions.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed, adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• 7,788 abstracts were screened, leading to the synthesis of 44 relevant articles.
• Studies published between 1994 and 2020, encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, were included.

Main Results:

• Qualitative studies emphasized structural vulnerability and historical/political violence.
• Quantitative studies tended to focus on discrete traumatic events and individual distress.
• A synthesis of 44 articles revealed diverse conceptualizations and transmission mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Current research paradigms are limited by a focus on individual risk and maternal behaviors.
• Gaps exist in geographical representation, inclusion of intersectional identities, and culturally-adapted measures.
• Future research should explore biological embedding, broader caregiver influences, and structural violence impacts.