The Stresses of War: Passing Down Trauma and Its Biological Impact
Modern research has shown that our experiences do more than just affect our mental health; they leave lasting marks on our DNA. In regions like Lebanon, where families have endured generations of war and displacement, resilience becomes not just a psychological trait but a biological necessity. So, how do war-related traumas, resilience, and epigenetics intertwine to shape our DNA and ultimately affect longevity?
The Science of Epigenetics and War-Related Trauma
Epigenetics, the study of how external factors affect gene expression, provides insight into how trauma can be imprinted on our DNA. War survivors often undergo changes in DNA methylation—a process that determines which genes are activated or suppressed [1]. For those who have experienced prolonged exposure to stress, such as war or displacement, methylation patterns shift in genes responsible for stress response, immune function, and aging [2]. This means that war survivors carry not only psychological scars but also biological ones. These epigenetic changes are not limited to the individual. Research suggests that trauma-related DNA methylation may be inherited, passing stress-related vulnerabilities down to future generations [3].
Resilience: A Biological Shield
Resilience, typically defined as the ability to recover from hardships, plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of trauma on both mental and physical health. While chronic stress—such as that experienced during war—has been linked to the shortening of telomeres, which are protective caps on our DNA that influence aging, resilience may serve as a protective shield [4]. Social bonds, for example, are a cornerstone of resilience. Studies suggest that strong social connections can buffer the effects of stress by regulating hormone levels, particularly cortisol, which directly impacts DNA methylation [5]. In war-torn environments, communities that foster collective support offer not only emotional relief but also biological protection. Resilience-building strategies, such as forming strong social ties, could potentially help slow down biological aging and reduce the risks of chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer [6]. However, resilience is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it can provide some protection, it may not completely negate the biological impacts of prolonged stress.
Generational Trauma: Passing Down the Stress
Families in Lebanon have experienced multiple generations of war, leading to a cycle of trauma. Studies suggest that children of war survivors may inherit not just emotional stress but altered stress responses due to epigenetic changes [7]. These genetic imprints may predispose future generations to anxiety, depression, or other stress-related disorders. However, the degree to which these changes affect longevity depends on factors like the environment, access to support, and resilience-building interventions. It’s important to emphasize that generational trauma does not dictate one’s fate. Epigenetics shows us that, while genes can be switched on or off…
References
- M.J. Meaney and M. Szyf, “Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation: life at the interface between a dynamic environment and a fixed genome,” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 79-93, 2005.
- R. Yehuda and A. Lehrner, “Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: Putative role of epigenetic mechanisms,” World Psychiatry, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 243-244, 2018.
- A.S. Zannas, N. Provencal, and E.B. Binder, “Epigenetics of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current Evidence, Challenges, and Future Directions,” Biological Psychiatry, vol. 78, no. 5, pp. 327-335, 2015.
- I. Shalev et al., “Stress and telomere biology: A lifespan perspective,” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 593-599, 2013.
- T.L. Roth and J.D. Sweatt, “Epigenetic mechanisms and environmental shaping of the brain during sensitive periods of development,” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 321-342, 2011.
- R. Yehuda and A. Lehrner, “Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: Putative role of epigenetic mechanisms,” World Psychiatry, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 243-244, 2018.
- D. S. Dykens, “Resilience: A new frontier for health and human services,” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 101, no. 3, pp. 530-537, 2011.
- E.B. Binder, “Gene-environment interactions in stress-related disorders,” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 45, pp. 1-11, 2014.
- M.J. Meaney and M. Szyf, “Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation,” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 79-93, 2005.
- I. Shalev et al., “Stress and telomere biology: A lifespan perspective,” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 593-599, 2013.
