Parenting Styles as a Mediating Factor in the Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma

The present study is an attempt to explore the role of different parenting styles as a mediating factor in intergenerational transmission of trauma. Intergenerational transmission is defined by the APA as “the transmission of trauma or its legacy, in the form of a psychological consequence of an injury or attack, poverty etc. from the generation experiencing trauma to the following one”. (APA,2024). The trauma reaction can be distinct for every individual and this paper will examine how this affects the parenting and attachment styles of parents and whether they mitigate or perpetuate the effects of trauma. Authoritative parenting style is characterised by high warmth fosters resilience in the children and buffers them against negative outcomes. The other parenting styles like authoritarian and neglectful – exacerbate the transmission as they lead to higher levels of psychological distress and emotional dysregulation in children and maladaptive coping mechanisms. The findings highlight the need for trauma-informed parenting interventions and therapeutic processes for the parents to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and promote healthier development of children.