4/20/2023 Grand Rounds

Sandra Mattar, PsyD
Assistant Professor, Boston University Medical School
Clinical Psychologist and Training Director, Immigrant & Refugee Health Center and Boston
Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights;
Faculty/Supervisor, Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology, Boston Medical Center

Intergenerational trauma (IT) generally refers to the ways in which trauma experienced in one generation affects the health and well-being of descendants of future generations. Understanding the dynamics of intergenerational trauma transmission is key to elucidating generational challenges and interactional patterns in both families and communities. The current presentation will focus on the multiple mechanisms of IT transmission and how it negatively affects individuals and families. The speaker will also discuss historical trauma, and will address culturally responsive ways to heal from IT.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the relationship between cultural oppression and intergenerational trauma.

2. Examine the impact of trauma in individual and communities, as well as on cultural and national identity.

3. Discuss successful interventions for healing from intergenerational trauma.