An interpersonally-oriented traumatic event, such as sexual or physical abuse, can tremendously impact a person's mental health, as well as attachment to significant others. In fact, studies have shown that interpersonal traumatic events, like abuse, are more likely to lead to PTSD than other types of traumatic events.
PTSD that results from abuse and other types of interpersonal trauma undoubtedly affects the individual who experiences it. But it may also negatively impact that person's loved ones, including children.
Trauma and a Mother's Bond
One study examined whether the experience of a traumatic event negatively impacts expectant mothers' attachment to their unborn children.
The researchers surveyed 41 pregnant women on their history of traumatic experiences and their attachment to their unborn children. Attachment was determined by such things as a mother's attitude and feelings towards her unborn child as well as how often she engaged in comforting and nurturing behaviors (for example, stroking her belly or talking to her unborn child).
Although experiencing a traumatic event, in general, did not influence the mothers' quality of attachment to their unborn children, the experience of an interpersonal trauma in particular did. Specifically, pregnant women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence or rape as an adult, exposure to a violent crime, or another interpersonal trauma exhibited a lower quality of attachment to their unborn children.
Beyond Pregnancy
The impact of trauma can reach across generations. PTSD may negatively influence how someone interacts with family members, potentially causing stress, anxiety, and depression in those they love most.
In addition, parents with PTSD may have difficulty forming a strong and/or healthy attachment with their children for years to come. This can have a major impact on a child's ability to form secure and positive relationships with others later in life. In addition, a poor attachment relationship with parents and others may put a child at risk for problems down the road, such as depression and anxiety.
What This Means for You
The relationship between a caregiver and infant is extremely important for a child's later psychological and social development. Therefore, if you have experienced an interpersonal trauma and are experiencing problems as a result, it is important to seek out help not only for yourself but for your children. Many successful treatments are available for people who have experienced traumatic events. You can also find whether there are therapists in your area who treat PTSD and interpersonal trauma through the Anxiety Disorder Association of America.
Sources:
Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss, Vol 1: Attachment.New York, NY: Basic Books.
Breslau, N., Kessler, R.C., Chilcoat, H.D., Schultz, L.R., Davis, G.C., & Andreski, P. (1998). Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in the community: The 1996 Detroit area survey of trauma. Archives of General Psychiatry, 55, 626-632.
Kessler, R.C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., & Nelson, C.B. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52, 1048-1060.
Schwerdtfeger, K.L., & Goff, B.S.N. (2007). Intergenerational transmission of trauma: Exploring mother-infant prenatal attachment. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 20, 39-51.
