Intergenerational Effect: The Impact of Trauma on ATS People

This report examines the intergenerational effect, specifically focusing on the impact of trauma on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATS) people. It highlights how colonization, loss of land, and cultural disruption have led to intergenerational trauma within this community. The research, referencing Hellsten (2014) and Hassing & Quayle (2019), discusses how unresolved trauma manifests in various negative behaviors such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. The report further explores the connection between historical trauma and poor physical health, incarceration rates, and vulnerability to abuse and discrimination among ATS generations, emphasizing the cycle of disempowerment and marginalization that results from these traumatic experiences.

Running head: INTERGENERATIONAL EFFECT 1
Intergenerational Effect
Name
Institution

INTERGENERATIONAL EFFECT 2
Intergenerational Effect
Intergenerational trauma is an overwhelming individual response to a major catastrophic
event which is passed down from one generation to another. This can be passed through parental
practices, and can be an unending cycle. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are
one of the indigenous groups that have been highly impacted by intergenerational trauma. These
people have experienced trauma due to colonization, loss of land, and culture. Today, most
negative behaviors of this community can be linked to intergenerational trauma. Research
conducted by Hellsten, (2014) revealed that most self-destructive behaviors among the ATS are
as a result of unresolved trauma. Intergenerational trauma has resulted into depression, anxiety,
violence, substance addictions, suicidal and homicidal thoughts among the ATS. Moreover, the
high rates of poor physical health and incarceration among the ATS is as a result of historical
trauma. This population is also vulnerable to abuse, negative stereotypes and discrimination
since many of its generations have lived through assault and bullying (Hassing, & Quayle, 2019).
These traumatic effects impede the optimal functioning of generations of survivors and become
entangled in webs of disempowerment and marginalization.

INTERGENERATIONAL EFFECT 3
References
Hellsten, D. (2014). Indigenous mental health nursing: The social and emotional wellbeing of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Yatdjuligin: Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery Care, 204.
Hassing, C., & Quayle, C. (2019). Trauma informed practice: Working with communities
affected by intergenerational trauma and managing vicarious trauma. Native Title
Newsletter, (1), 15.