Intergenerational Trauma and Cultural Resilience: Exploring the Impact of Family Norms on Mental Health Disclosure

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Year : 2025 | Volume : 02 | 02 | Page : –
    By

    Disha Tyagi,

  • Kajal Tomar,

  • Deepika Chamoli Shahi,

  1. Counselling Psychologist, Department of Psychology, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
  2. Consultant and Research Assistant, Speakingcube Online Mental Health Consulting Foundation, Uttarakhand, India
  3. Founder and Director, Speakingcube Online Mental Health Consulting Foundation, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

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This comprehensive review examines how intergenerational trauma and cultural resilience influence individuals’ choices to disclose or conceal their mental health challenges in family contexts. This paper utilises 50 peer-reviewed studies out of 80 in total from various cultural contexts, this paper explores how family norms, especially in collectivist cultures, impact the disclosure of mental health issues. This review paper uses a thematic analysis strategy, systematically integrating qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies to identify recurring themes associated with trauma transmission, emotional expression, and resilience strategies. Results show that in numerous families, particularly those influenced by historical or collective trauma, silence frequently serves as a protective strategy, maintained by entrenched beliefs regarding emotional control and anxiety over stigma. On the other hand, cultural resilience demonstrated through community bonds, customs, and common identity acts as a counterbalance, promoting emotional vulnerability and group recovery. The analysis highlights the interplay between trauma and resilience in families, affecting whether mental health discussions are stifled or promoted. In the end, it supports culturally aware mental health approaches that acknowledge historical suffering while leveraging cultural strengths to facilitate safe and open conversations.

Keywords: Intergenerational Trauma, Cultural Resilience, Mental Health Disclosure, Family Norms, Thematic analysis

How to cite this article:
Disha Tyagi, Kajal Tomar, Deepika Chamoli Shahi. Intergenerational Trauma and Cultural Resilience: Exploring the Impact of Family Norms on Mental Health Disclosure. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences. 2025; 02(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Disha Tyagi, Kajal Tomar, Deepika Chamoli Shahi. Intergenerational Trauma and Cultural Resilience: Exploring the Impact of Family Norms on Mental Health Disclosure. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences. 2025; 02(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijbsc/article=2025/view=0


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 02
02
Received 08/05/2025
Accepted 07/07/2025
Published 19/07/2025
Publication Time 72 Days
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