Attachment, Trauma, and the Epigenetics of Inheritance

Attachment, Trauma, and the Epigenetics of Inheritance

The attachment styles we develop in early childhood profoundly impact our psychological functioning throughout the lifespan. In the context of foster care, attachment research reminds us that children who experience maltreatment, separation from caregivers, or frequent placements often develop disorganized attachment patterns, resulting in emotional and behavioral dysregulation (Dozier et al., 2013).

What stands out most in the article Infants and Toddlers in Foster Care by Dozier, Zeanah, and Bernard (2013) is the identification of four primary caregiving variables necessary for healthy development: synchrony, nurturance, stability, and commitment.

Synchrony, or a caregiver’s ability to follow a child’s lead, is shown to support emotional regulation and a child’s sense of control over their environment. Nurturance is especially critical in moments of distress, as it fosters secure attachment and expectations of safety (Dozier et al., 2013). The article also emphasizes the importance of stable placements, noting that frequent moves disrupt developmental progress and executive function. Lastly, the concept of caregiver commitment is introduced as a distinct and vital factor, children sense whether a caregiver is truly invested in their long-term well-being.

Everyday situations such as neglect, unpredictable caregiving, or insensitive responses to distress can deeply shape a child’s internal working model of relationships. These experiences are not just environmental, they may also carry biological legacies from prior generations.

Intergenerational Trauma and Epigenetics

In my own life, I have seen how transgenerational trauma can silently sculpt development. As a third-generation descendant of WWII survivors, I was raised by a mother who frequently shared memoirs and vivid accounts of concentration camp experiences. It often felt as though she wasn’t simply teaching history, but consciously imprinting her trauma onto her children. This aligns with research by Yehuda and Lehrner (2018), which supports the theory that trauma can be biologically inherited through epigenetic modifications, such as altered stress hormone regulation passed from parent to child. These changes, including methylation, a process where a small chemical group called a methyl group is added to DNA or other molecules in the body  of genes which affect cortisol response and may predispose descendants to PTSD, anxiety, and other disorders even in the absence of direct trauma exposure (Yehuda & Lehrner, 2018).

This inheritance was not only emotional or ideological; it manifested somatically through what I now understand as dissociation and, potentially, dissociative identity disorder (DID). DID and related disorders are common in survivors of chronic early trauma, and their presence in descendants is being increasingly explored through the lens of epigenetics (Kostova & Matanova, 2024). Disorganized attachment in my childhood led me to develop both avoidant and anxious attachment styles in adulthood, varying based on the partner I was with. These insecure attachments further complicated my romantic relationships, making emotional regulation and trust difficult.

The Bidirectional Nature of Attachment

The Bidirectional nature of attachment in parent-child relationships is a dynamic, two-way process between a child and their caregiver. While caregivers shape a child’s emotional development through their responsiveness, the child’s temperament, cues, and behaviors also influence how the caregiver responds. For example, a highly sensitive or fussy infant may unintentionally challenge a caregiver’s ability to remain consistently nurturing, especially if the caregiver is under stress or lacks support. Over time, the caregiver may become more withdrawn or anxious, which in turn reinforces the child’s insecurity, creating a cycle that shapes attachment style. This reciprocal interaction highlights how both the caregiver and the child co-create the attachment relationship.

As an adult, the bidirectional nature of attachment in my behaviors also shaped the emotional climate around me. For instance, when I was anxiously attached, I often sought excessive reassurance, which in turn created strain and breakdowns in relationships, reinforcing my feelings of rejection. Conversely, my avoidant side led me to retreat from intimacy, reinforcing loneliness and emotional distance. Beyond relationships, these dynamics impacted my career, as someone who experiences burnout in overstimulating environments (Ho, 2024), I have had to hire team members to manage social dynamics for me. This need for a controlled environment limits the scope of clients I work with and directly affects my professional success.

As research shows, early attachment profoundly influences later well-being. Children with secure attachments tend to have higher emotional intelligence, better health outcomes, and more adaptive coping strategies (Kostova & Matanova, 2024). In contrast, children with disorganized attachment often face lifelong difficulties with emotional regulation, mental illness, and relationship stability. Foster care systems must prioritize stable, nurturing placements to prevent the compounding of trauma.

Programmatic Themes

In reference to the programmatic theme of social justice, recognizing the historical roots of trauma in families highlights systemic inequalities and the need for trauma-informed care in underserved communities.

References

Dozier, M., Zeanah, C. H., & Bernard, K. (2013). Infants and toddlers in foster care. Child Development Perspectives, 7(3), 166–171. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12033

Ho, J., Ph.D. (2024, June 12). What Burnout Says About Your Attachment Style. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unlock-your-true-motivation/202406/what-burnout-says-about-your-attachment-style

Kostova, Z., & Matanova, V. L. (2024). Transgenerational trauma and attachment. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1362561. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1362561

Yehuda, R., & Lehrner, A. (2018). Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: Putative role of epigenetic mechanisms. World Psychiatry, 17(3), 243–257. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20568

Valeii, K. (2024). Intergenerational trauma: Epigenetics and inherited emotional stress. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/intergenerational-trauma-5191638

The Attachment Project. (2023). Transgenerational trauma and insecure attachment. https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/transgenerational-trauma-and-insecure-attachment/

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About Natalia Camden

Natalia Camden is a forensic psychology student at Southern New Hampshire University with a deep passion for understanding the complexities of human behavior. She is also the co-founder of The Florida Cat and Dog Project, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. When she’s not studying or advocating for animal welfare, Natalia enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking, exploring nature trails, or finding peace in the natural world. Her academic journey and personal passions reflect a lifelong commitment to compassion, resilience, and making a positive impact on both people and animals. "Our evolution continues despite our resistance to it – and resistance is exactly what continues to drive me forward" - Natalia Camden. Read more 

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