A Journey to Healing : Identifying Intergenerational Trauma, ACEs, Racial Trauma and PTSD in Mothers of Color

Childhood adversity has been linked to adverse consequences on health, behavior, and interpersonal relationships among affected adults. Parental history of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) not only impacts their children's health and well-being but heightens the risk of perpetuating intergenerational patterns of trauma transmission (Schickedanz et al., 2021). However, an absence of studies examining the connection among parental history of ACEs, PTSD, and racial trauma, prompted the need for this study.

This study tested historical and contemporary trauma theory to examine intergenerational transmission of trauma. The study examined how a mother's trauma, experienced in childhood and assessed by the current number of ACEs and PTSD symptoms, affects their children's traumatic (ACEs) experiences. The study set to study the following research questions: What are the implications of ACEs and PTSD on both adult and child's physical and mental health? Is there a risk of intergenerational trauma when traumatized parents raise their children? Is racial trauma pervasive? Has racial trauma increased PTSD in parents? This study delves into the complex dynamics of intergenerational trauma among mothers of color, exploring the correlation between maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their children's ACEs. A cohort of participants (N=72) was surveyed, utilizing the Philadelphia ACE (PHL ACE) and Child and Youth Well-being ACE Questionnaire (CYW ACE-Q) for comprehensive assessments. Results revealed a notable association between maternal ACEs of mothers of color and the manifestation of ACEs in their offspring. Additionally, the study employed the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among mothers and its potential impact on their children's well-being. A significant positive correlation was found with indications that mothers experiencing PTSD were more likely to have children with ACEs. Furthermore, an exploration of racial disparities within the sample demonstrated that African American mothers exhibited a higher incidence of PTSD compared to other minority mothers of color. This finding suggests a unique vulnerability within the African American community, warranting further investigation into the factors contributing to this heightened prevalence.

The study also incorporated the Racial Trauma Scale (RTS) to assess the impact of racial trauma on maternal mental health. Results indicated that African American mothers experienced a higher degree of racial trauma compared to other minority women of color. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing, identifying, and addressing racial trauma as a significant component of intergenerational trauma among communities of color, particularly African American mothers. In conclusion, our findings underscore the intricate interplay between maternal ACEs, PTSD, and racial trauma, highlighting the urgency for targeted interventions and support systems for mothers of color. This study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced aspects of intergenerational trauma and racial trauma and calls for further research to develop culturally sensitive approaches for prevention and intervention.