Transgenerasyonel Travma: Travmatik Deneyimlerin Epigenetik ve Psikososyal Aktarımı

Year 2025, Issue: 24, 89 - 115

Murat Şengöz

https://doi.org/10.20860/ijoses.1744140

Abstract

Bu çalışma, transgenerasyonel travmanın biyolojik ve psikososyal aktarım süreçlerini inceleyerek, travmatik deneyimlerin yalnızca bireysel düzeyle sınırlı kalmayabileceğini; aksine kuşaklar boyunca etkilerini sürdürebileceğini ortaya koymaktadır. Epigenetik araştırmalar, özellikle DNA metilasyonu, histon modifikasyonları ve mikroRNA düzenlemeleri gibi mekanizmaların, travmanın biyolojik düzeyde kalıcı etkiler bırakma potansiyeline sahip olabileceğini göstermektedir. Psikososyal açıdan ise aile dinamikleri, ebeveyn-çocuk ilişkilerinde bağlanma biçimleri, sosyal öğrenme süreçleri ve kolektif bellek (toplumsal hafızada saklı ortak anlatılar), travmanın transgenerasyonel aktarımını anlamada önemli bir rol oynayabilir. Holokost mağdurları, savaş gazileri, göçmenler ve marjinal topluluklar üzerine yapılan araştırmalar, travmanın hem biyolojik hem de psikososyal düzeyde uzun vadeli etkiler yaratabileceğine dair bulgular sunmaktadır. Psikoterapötik müdahaleler kapsamında bilişsel davranışçı terapi (CBT), göz hareketleriyle duyarsızlaştırma ve yeniden işleme (EMDR), farkındalık temelli yaklaşımlar ve aile terapileri, travma sonrası semptomların hafifletilmesinde faydalı olabilmektedir. Ancak bu yöntemlerin epigenetik düzeydeki etkileri henüz sınırlı biçimde incelenmiştir ve bu alanda daha fazla araştırmaya ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, transgenerasyonel travmanın incelenmesinde biyolojik ve psikososyal boyutların birlikte ele alınmasını sağlayan bütüncül yaklaşımlara duyulan gereksinim devam etmektedir. Gelecekte yapılacak araştırmalarda, psikoterapötik müdahalelerin olası epigenetik etkilerinin yanı sıra kültürel bağlamların ve toplumsal süreçlerin de ayrıntılı biçimde ele alınması, literatüre daha kapsamlı katkılar sağlayabilir.

Keywords

transgenerasyonel travma , epigenetik , psikososyal aktarım , psikoterapi

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışmanın, özgün bir çalışma olduğunu; çalışmanın hazırlık, veri toplama, analiz ve bilgilerin sunumu olmak üzere tüm aşamalarından bilimsel etik ilke ve kurallarına uygun davrandığımı; bu çalışma kapsamında elde edilmeyen tüm veri ve bilgiler için kaynak gösterdiğimi ve bu kaynaklara kaynakçada yer verdiğimi; kullanılan verilerde herhangi bir değişiklik yapmadığımı, çalışmanın Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)' in tüm şartlarını ve koşullarını kabul ederek etik görev ve sorumluluklara riayet ettiğimi beyan ederim. Herhangi bir zamanda, çalışmayla ilgili yaptığım bu beyana aykırı bir durumun saptanması durumunda, ortaya çıkacak tüm ahlaki ve hukuki sonuçlara razı olduğumu bildiririm.

Transgenerational Trauma: Epigenetic and Psychosocial Transmission of Traumatic Experiences

Abstract

This study explores the biological and psychosocial pathways of transgenerational trauma, proposing that traumatic experiences may not be confined to the individual but could potentially affect future generations. Epigenetic research suggests that mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA regulation might contribute to the ongoing presence of trauma at the biological level. From a psychosocial standpoint, family dynamics, parent-child attachment patterns, social learning, and collective memory—shared narratives stored within societal memory—may be crucial in understanding how trauma is transmitted across generations. Studies involving Holocaust survivors, war veterans, migrants, and marginalized groups show evidence that trauma can produce long-lasting effects at both biological and psychosocial levels. Psychotherapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness-based techniques, and family therapy may help reduce post-traumatic symptoms. Nevertheless, the influence of these therapies on epigenetic mechanisms is still under-investigated, highlighting the need for further research. Overall, there is a clear need for integrated methods that consider both biological and psychosocial factors in studying transgenerational trauma. Future research should examine the potential epigenetic effects of psychotherapeutic treatments and consider cultural and societal influences to gain a more complete understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Keywords

transgenerational trauma , epigenetics , psychosocial transmission , psychotherapy.

Ethical Statement

I declare that this study is original; that I have acted by the principles and rules of scientific ethics at all stages of the study, including preparation, data collection, analysis, and presentation of information; that I have cited sources for all data and information not obtained within the scope of this study and included these sources in the bibliography; that I have not made any changes in the data used, and that I comply with ethical duties and responsibilities by accepting all the terms and conditions of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). I hereby declare that if a situation contrary to my statement regarding the study is detected, I agree to all moral and legal consequences that may arise.

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