The Transmission of Intergenerational Trauma in Displaced Families

The Transmission of Intergenerational Trauma in Displaced Families

Psychic trauma--Social aspects--South Africa

Shanaaz Hoosain

2013

University of the Western Cape

Dissertation

English

Western Cape, South Africa

Restricted Access

This chapter introduces the conceptual and theoretical framework which focuses on the transmission of intergenerational trauma. The development of intergenerational trauma is discussed as well as the different schools of thought on intergenerational trauma as presented in Aboriginal studies and through scholars of intergenerational trauma. Various theories of intergenerational transmission and trauma transmission, and key concepts are presented. The definition of trauma, the trauma of displacement and its classification in traumatology are clarified. In addition, narrative therapy theory which also forms part of the theoretical framework in order to contextualise the trauma that families have experienced. Finally the different mechanisms of trauma transmission as identified in literature, is discussed.
Intergenerational trauma theory and narrative therapy theory guide this research project. Understanding the transmission of trauma in families highlights what is being transmitted in families and how it is being transmitted, and this knowledge can contribute to interrupting trauma transmission. However, trauma transmission theories are based on a medical model which has not taken the socio-historical context into consideration. Narrative therapy theory, and the principles of collective narrative practice has been used both as a conceptual framework and methodological framework. Narrative therapy theory is based on Foucouldian discourse anlaysis while collective narrative practice by Denborough (2008) is based on the work of Freire’s Pedagogy of Hope (1994).

Haley Lesemann