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Cited by 24Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchPsychoanalysis and Psychopathology ResearchChild Abuse and Trauma

Combatting intergenerational effects of psychotrauma with multifamily therapy

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Mooren, Trudy, van Ee, Elisa, Hein, Irma, Bala, Julia·2023·Frontiers in Psychiatry
DOI 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.867305PMC PMC9929345
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Abstract

There is growing evidence that parental trauma is associated with psychosocial disorders, externalizing and internalizing problems, and higher sensitivity to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. Recent research findings suggest multidimensional relational, psychological, and neurobiological interrelated pathways of intergenerational influence. Moreover, the intergenerational effects of parental trauma need to be understood within a broader systemic context, as a part of family adaptation. This article explores research findings and clinical practice to enhance our understanding of intergenerational processes and presents directions for therapeutic interventions. A trauma-focused multi-family therapy, aiming to restrict the relational consequences of parental trauma and strengthen family resilience, is described. The proposition is that to facilitate and improve the quality of parent–child interaction in response to psychotrauma, fostering emotion regulation capacities and mentalization is crucial. These efforts offered through family group interventions may benefit various families coping with adversity in culturally diverse societies.

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  • Multi-family therapy models focused on emotional regulation, mentalization, and empowerment have been associated with improved parent-child relationship functioning and reduced trauma-related vulnerability.

    “Multi-family therapy models focused on emotional regulation, mentalization, and empowerment have been associated with improved parent-child relationship functioning and reduced trauma-related vulnerability (125).”

    From Epigenetic changes associated with multi-generational trauma: characterization, mechanisms, and therapeutics (2026) · cites this paper as [125]

    The Conclusion identifies mentalization, emotional regulation, and empowerment as MFT pathways intended to improve parenting and parent–child relationships and reduce intergenerational trauma effects. The Introduction describes the article as a conceptual framework, however, and the cited passages do not report observed improvements or reduced vulnerability. The claim presents intended effects as established associations. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Prevention and treatment approaches tend to span multiple levels, including trauma-focused therapy, attachment and relationship-based interventions, and broader strategies that support regulation through sleep, stress management, and health behaviors.

    “Prevention and treatment approaches therefore tend to span multiple levels, including trauma-focused therapy, attachment and relationship-based interventions, and broader strategies that support regulation through sleep, stress management, and health behaviors (19, 125–135).”

    From Epigenetic changes associated with multi-generational trauma: characterization, mechanisms, and therapeutics (2026) · cites this paper as [125]

    Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

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  • Structured, relationship-centered programs can improve caregiving functioning and child emotional outcomes in families affected by intergenerational trauma.

    “These findings indicate that structured, relationship-centered programs can improve caregiving functioning and child emotional outcomes in families affected by intergenerational trauma (125, 130, 131).”

    From Epigenetic changes associated with multi-generational trauma: characterization, mechanisms, and therapeutics (2026) · cites this paper as [125]

    The Conclusion (page not provided) describes multifamily therapy as an approach intended to enhance sensitive parenting and reduce trauma-related effects on parent–child relationships and child development. The Abstract (page not provided) presents its potential benefit as a proposition, not a demonstrated outcome; the cited passages do not establish that these programs improve children's emotional outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Effective interventions for multi-generational trauma often require addressing both individual psychiatric symptoms and the family environments through which trauma-related vulnerability is expressed and reinforced.

    “Effective interventions for multi-generational trauma often require addressing both individual psychiatric symptoms and the family environments through which trauma-related vulnerability is expressed and reinforced (125).”

    From Epigenetic changes associated with multi-generational trauma: characterization, mechanisms, and therapeutics (2026) · cites this paper as [125]

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Research works printed but not linked: 49

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Mooren, T., van Ee, E., Hein, I., & Bala, J.
Affiliations
  • Utrecht University (NL)
  • Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam (NL)
Corresponding author
Mooren, Trudy
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2023-02-01
Volume
13
Pages
867305-867305
ISSN
1664-0640 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fpsyt.2022.867305
PMC
PMC9929345
OpenAlex
W4318820440
Cited by
24
References
11
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2
FWCI
1.22
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Psychiatry (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
Keywords
intergenerational trauma, parental trauma, psychotrauma, multifamily therapy, trauma-focused psychotherapy, family resilience, parent-child interaction, emotion regulation, mentalization, post-traumatic stress disorder, family adjustment, multicultural families

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