How Does World War II Trauma Impact Multiple Generations of Polish Families?

What you need to know

• Trauma from World War II continues to affect Polish families across multiple generations
• How people cope with trauma can be passed down through families and impact mental health
• Being aware of family trauma history may help reduce negative psychological effects

The Long Shadow of Historical Trauma

Imagine growing up in a family where certain topics are never discussed, where there’s an unspoken heaviness in the air, or where your parents seem overly protective or emotionally distant. For many Polish families, these patterns may be linked to the traumatic experiences their ancestors endured during World War II. While the war ended decades ago, its psychological impact continues to reverberate through generations.

How Trauma Gets Passed Down

The research identified three main ways people adapt to severe trauma, which can be passed down to their children and grandchildren:

1. The “Fighter” style - emphasizing strength, justice, and maintaining cultural identity
2. The “Numb” style - emotional detachment and avoiding discussion of painful topics
3. The “Victim” style - being stuck in trauma, showing emotional volatility and overprotectiveness

These coping styles shape how families communicate, express emotions, and view the world. Children often unconsciously adopt their parents’ trauma-related behaviors and beliefs, even without directly experiencing the traumatic events themselves.

The Body Keeps the Score

One of the study’s most fascinating findings involves how trauma affects our relationship with our bodies. The researchers found that people from families affected by WWII trauma often experience what they call lower “embodiment” - meaning they may feel less connected to or comfortable in their own bodies. This physical dimension of inherited trauma manifests through:

• Difficulty trusting bodily signals
• Feeling disconnected from physical sensations
• Challenges with self-care and body image
• Increased physical health problems

The Power of Knowledge

Perhaps the most surprising discovery was that people who knew less about their family’s wartime experiences actually showed more signs of trauma-related problems. This suggests that understanding our family history, even when it involves painful events, may help us better cope with inherited trauma.

What This Means for You

If your family has been affected by historical trauma, whether from WWII or other events, there are several ways to promote healing:

1. Open dialogue about family history while respecting boundaries
2. Learn about your ancestors’ experiences
3. Recognize how past trauma might influence current family patterns
4. Seek professional help if needed to process inherited trauma
5. Practice body awareness through mindfulness or gentle movement

Conclusions

• Historical trauma can affect families across multiple generations through both psychological and physical manifestations
• Understanding and acknowledging family trauma history may help reduce its negative impact
• Healing from inherited trauma requires both emotional awareness and attention to physical well-being