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Collective Trauma Transmission and Traumatic Reactions Among Descendants of Armenian Refugees

Author

Listed:
  • Hatsantour Karenian

    (Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece)

  • Miltos Livaditis

    (Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece)

  • Sirpouhi Karenian

    (Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece)

  • Kyriakos Zafiriadis

    (epartment of Psychiatry, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece)

  • Valentini Bochtsou

    (epartment of Psychiatry, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece)

  • Kiriakos Xenitidis

    (Department of Brain Maturation, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, UK, kiriakos.xenitidis@slam.nhs.uk)

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested, mainly by case reports, that the collective trauma generated by mass calamities may be transmitted to, and have long-lasting effects on, new generations. Aims: To investigate the psychological impact on contemporary Armenians of traumatic events suffered by Armenians during the period 1914—1918. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study investigating demographic and cultural characteristics of a population of 689 people of Armenian origin, residents of Greece and Cyprus. Subjects were recruited during a range of Armenian cultural, athletic or charitable events. The participants completed a version of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Self-Rating) Scale and a questionnaire including ad hoc questions regarding their relationship to the Armenian community, their attitudes and their source of information about the 1914—1918 events. Results: Over a third (35.7%) of participants presented at least sub-clinical forms of such reactions during long periods of their lives. Women, older people, participants with a close relative lost during the events and those with strong connections to the Armenian community were more vulnerable. Conclusion: The results are indicative of a long-lasting (though gradually fading) cross-generational traumatizing effect of the discussed events. Clinicians having to deal with patients belonging to cultural or ethnic groups that suffered persecutions in the past should take into account the probable effects caused by a trauma-transmission mechanism.

Suggested Citation

  • Hatsantour Karenian & Miltos Livaditis & Sirpouhi Karenian & Kyriakos Zafiriadis & Valentini Bochtsou & Kiriakos Xenitidis, 2011. "Collective Trauma Transmission and Traumatic Reactions Among Descendants of Armenian Refugees," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 57(4), pages 327-337, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:57:y:2011:i:4:p:327-337
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764009354840
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Mohatt, Nathaniel Vincent & Thompson, Azure B. & Thai, Nghi D. & Tebes, Jacob Kraemer, 2014. "Historical trauma as public narrative: A conceptual review of how history impacts present-day health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 128-136.
    2. Alissa Der Sarkissian & Jill D. Sharkey, 2021. "Transgenerational Trauma and Mental Health Needs among Armenian Genocide Descendants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-10, October.

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