Analysis of Intergenerational Trauma among Aboriginal Australians

This essay delves into the intergenerational trauma suffered by Aboriginal Australians, stemming from historical events such as colonialism, forced child removal, and policies designed to assimilate Indigenous populations. It explores the lasting consequences of these actions, including the loss of cultural identity, the breakdown of family structures, and the resulting mental health challenges. The essay highlights how these traumas are passed down through generations, impacting Indigenous communities. It examines the impact of policies that separated children from their families, leading to feelings of rejection, abuse, and detachment from their heritage. The essay references several sources to support its claims, including studies on the effects of institutionalization and maternal loss on child development, and the long-term effects on the Aboriginal community. This essay provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject and its impact.

Running head: Intergenerational trauma of the Australian Aboriginals
Intergenerational trauma of the Australian Aboriginals
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Intergenerational trauma of the Australian Aboriginals
There have been several specific aspects of removal and isolation procedures of
aboriginal children from their families. Children may be taken away at any level. Some were
taken right after their birth (particularly to adopt) and several others in early childhood. For
certain situations, the scarce funding available meant that the authorities should delay until
children became near to the age appropriate for going to schools and less requiring personnel
time and expertise. Many children were most commonly institutionalized alongside other
Aboriginal children and mostly non-Indigenous workers. In the overwhelming majority of cases
where funding or adoption came to be successful, the family was non-indigenous. While the goal
was to incorporate children into white society, Aboriginality was not viewed as positive. Many
children felt contempt and denigration toward their indigenous cultures and for that of their
parents or the rejection of their indigenous peoples. In line with the conventional reason, many
children were told that their families had either their families have disappeared or they
have abandon them. Almost all of the time, members of the family were unable to stay in contact
with their children. It cut off the infant from his or her origins and implied that the kid was at the
hands of the workers of the facility or the adoptive parents. Most have been manipulated and
abused. Early maternal loss or extended mother's split before 11 years of age was claimed to be
detrimental to future loneliness, poor relationship choice and parental problems of another
generation. Anti-social behaviour, aggression, depression and suicide have all been reported as
likely to arise from extreme disturbance of interpersonal ties. A substantial body of research
indicates that early family interactions and a noticeable absence of maternal love have also
related to a substantially enhanced risk of mental problems as well as personality disorders in
adult life. Studies on children who have been institutionalized have found that they vary in
several respects from children that have been born in a family setting. General dysfunction of

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Intergenerational trauma of the Australian Aboriginals
their interaction with others and lack in social commitment have been described as significant
cognitive and behavioural disorders. Early analyses of children who have undergone intensive
treatment during the first 3 years of their life have demonstrated insightful differences in mental
and social growth. Furthermore, follow-up tests of the children across adolescence reported
significant cognitive, mental, and social problems that include relationship-forming disruptions,
loss of anxiety or shame over anti-social behaviour, impaired self management, and delinquency
(Humanrights.gov.au, 2020).
Indigenous communities in Australia have endured intergenerational trauma as a
consequence of colonialism, including ongoing abuse and loss of identity and property, and also
related policies including compulsory exclusion of children. For many Indigenous homes and
cultures, this tragedy tends to propagate from generation to generation with catastrophic
consequences. Evidence suggests that individuals who undergo abuse have an increased
probability of participating in self-destructive actions, exhibit behavioural disorders, and join and
continue staying in the criminal justice system (Australianstogether.org.au, 2020).

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Intergenerational trauma of the Australian Aboriginals
References
Australianstogether.org.au. (2020). Australians Together | Intergenerational trauma. Retrieved 6
April 2020, from https://australianstogether.org.au/discover/the-wound/intergenerational-
trauma/
Humanrights.gov.au. (2020). Bringing them Home - Chapter 11 | Australian Human Rights
Commission. Retrieved 6 April 2020, from
https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/bringing-them-home-chapter-11