Intergenerational transmission of trauma and its association with attitudes toward reconciliation.

Abstract

Objective. We aimed to investigate the link between mothers' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and their adult offspring's attitudes toward reconciliation and psychopathology among survivors of the 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda. We also sought to examine whether parenting styles mediate the relationship between mothers' PTSD symptoms and their adult offspring's psychopathology, if any. Method. Mother-child dyads (N = 181) were recruited in Rwanda and completed measures of trauma exposure, PTSD, depression, attitudes toward reconciliation, and parenting styles. Results. Adult offspring of mothers who suffered from more severe PTSD symptoms had less favorable attitudes toward reconciliation, even after controlling for their own PTSD symptoms. Mothers' PTSD symptoms were not associated with their adult offspring's PTSD or depression symptoms. In addition, mothers' PTSD symptoms did not predict their parenting styles. Conclusions. These results suggest that the mental health of survivors of mass violence has repercussions on the intergroup attitudes of the following generation. This study has practical implications for sustainable peacebuilding in postconflict societies. Clinical Impact StatementThis study shows that mothers' psychological trauma influences their adult offspring's openness to reconciliation in a postconflict context. Additionally, it highlights that mental health problems resulting from armed conflicts are long-lasting. Results suggest that interventions aimed at treating PTSD symptoms may improve people's openness to reconciliation and community integration. Policies and interventions to rebuild postconflict countries need to attend to public mental health to prevent the intergenerational consequences of trauma on social cohesion and sustainable peace.