Intergenerational Trauma in Phenomenological Research—A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to synthesize phenomenological qualitative research regarding the lived experience of intergenerational trauma. Twenty-two studies were included in the review and were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Five analytical themes were identified: ‘the adaptive or maladaptive indelible scar of intergenerational trauma’; ‘between integration and fragmentation, and closeness and disconnection’; ‘the interaction of silence and communication’; ‘trying to survive and overcome’; and ‘attitudes toward therapeutic support’. Findings highlight the role of parental coping in the transmission and impact of intergenerational trauma; perceived to influence identification processes, family communication patterns, and the likelihood of accessing mental health support. Positive attitudes toward support were linked to interventions being informed by understanding the impact of intergenerational trauma and taking a systemic and relational approach. Implications for clinical practice are discussed. Future research is needed to further explore the multi-cultural and multi-perspective elements of intergenerational trauma.