Exploring Intergenerational Trauma in Refugee Populations: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

Background: While research on the impacts of trauma on refugee health is well understood, less is known about intergenerational trauma in the context of refugees. Intergenerational trauma refers to how trauma experienced by one generation often impacts the well-being of future generations and has been found to have substantial negative impacts on health and well-being among other minoritized populations. The purpose of this Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) was to explore refugees experiences of intergenerational trauma and understand the impact on their wellbeing.

Methods: A systematic search across seven databases identified 776 studies, with 17 qualitative studies meeting the inclusion. Following QIMS guidelines, themes and quotations were extracted, synthesized, and analyzed to preserve original interpretations while generating new codes and categories from the data. Three researchers conducted two rounds of coding, followed by collaborative discussions to refine themes, triangulate findings, and address biases.

Results: We identified 17 articles for inclusion. Four major themes were identified: (1) Trauma transmission across generations; (2) Cultural and identity challenges; (3) Parental and family dynamics; (4) Coping and resilience strategies. Studies highlighted the negative impacts of the trauma refugees experience across generations and the impacts this has on their health, especially their mental health.

Conclusion: Discussion of trauma among refugees must include the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the deleterious impacts it may have across multiple generations. Funding and research on refugee trauma and well-being should not stop at first generation migrants, but continue to future generations knowing the impacts of forced migration span generations.