The Silent Legacy: A Phenomenological Study of Transgenerational Trauma Passed from Mothers to Daughters in the African American Community

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the transgenerational trauma passed from mothers to daughters in the African American community. The problem is that transgenerational trauma is unintentionally passed from mothers to daughters, which has a negative impact on their life outcomes, such as their self-worth, worldview, and relationships. The study was guided by the historical trauma theory, arguing that populations that have historically been subjected to traumatic experiences exhibit higher instances of psychological and physiological conditions multiple generations after it has happened. Through the research, how the trauma transmission happens from mothers to daughters was assessed, and common experiences explored, seeking to inform potential effective coping interventions and strategies for women in the African American community. While this phenomenon has been deeply explored in studies of the effect of the holocaust on indigenous and native communities in different parts of the world, limited studies have been made regarding the transgenerational trauma from mothers to daughters in the African American community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, journaling, and observations, targeting African American women who have experienced trauma passed from their mothers. The data were analyzed through the thematic analysis technique by identifying common codes that developed into themes explaining the participants’ traumatic lived experiences. The research findings revealed five themes: silent suffering and stigma, resilience and survival, poor maternal relationships, therapy and healing, and lack of resources. The findings provide theoretical and empirical literature to inform future research and discussions on transgenerational trauma. Also, the practical significance is for practitioners in mental health, mothers and daughters, policymakers, community, and religious institutions.