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Secondary psychic traumatization as a way of transmitting transgenerational experience

https://doi.org/10.24884/2219-8245-2026-18-1-2-16

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of possible ways of transmitting transgenerational experience of a traumatic nature to subsequent generations. Material and methods. Analysis of literature data from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, metaanalysis reviews, articles and monographs was used as methods. Preference has been given to publications in recent years. Поиск проводился в Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations, Web of Science и Theses Global, а также в PsycINFO и PubMed. Study results. The inevitability of the transpolated transfer of life experience necessary for the adaptation of subsequent generations is shown. Both positive experience associated with effective methods of coping with difficult life situations and negative painful experience loaded with affects and enclosed in an impenetrable barrier for the psyche in the form of primitive psychological protections are transmitted. Non-processed and non-integrated traumatic experience is transmitted from parents to children, manifested in the form of psychopathological and psychosomatic symptoms that reduce the quality of life and psychological well-being of subsequent generations. The direct process of transmitting traumatic experience (secondary mental traumatization) occurs through imitation, identification and empathy, when, entering into emotional resonance with the experiences of a significant adult, acting as the most referential person and adaptation resource, the child identifies with him, while mastering his survival resources and demonstrating similar patterns of behavior and psychological response, which are destructive in nature, reflecting the symptoms of unrelieved trauma.

About the Author

S. L. Solovyova
North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Saint Petersburg



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Solovyova S.L. Secondary psychic traumatization as a way of transmitting transgenerational experience. Medical Psychology in Russia. 2026;18(1):2-16. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/2219-8245-2026-18-1-2-16

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