Epigenetic Trauma Pronunciation: /ˌɛp.ɪ.dʒəˈnɛt.ɪk ˈtrɔː.mə/ (ep-ih-jeh-NET-ik TRAW-muh) Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Epigenetic trauma occurs when trauma like racism or slavery changes how genes work and passes these effects to descendants. In Black Americans, this means pain from the past can influence mental health and stress in later generations. Epigenetic marks can show up in health or emotional struggles, even if people did not directly experience the original trauma. This science reveals how deep history’s wounds can go.
Synonyms: Intergenerational trauma, inherited stress, transgenerational trauma
Example: A Black family’s pattern of stress and anxiety sometimes connects to epigenetic trauma caused by generations of oppression.