The Influence of Intergenerational Trauma on Epigenetics and Obesity in Indigenous Populations: A Systematic Literature Review
Senior Project Advisor
Sean Bruna
Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Spring 2022
Keywords
Intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, obesity, Indigenous, motherhood, healing, literature review
Abstract
This review examines the current literature on the interactions between intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, obesity, and Indigeneity. This literature review examines the results of six studies conducted in several cultural settings; the participants include Indigenous communities and students in Canada, cohorts in the UK, geneticists and scientists in Mexico, parents from Middle Eastern backgrounds, and families from Ukrainian backgrounds. The focus and findings of the selected studies varied from cultural to biological focuses, and from discussion regarding trauma, epigenetics, obesity, or Indigeneity, but they support three broad statements. First, they support that obesity has genetic and epigenetic factors. Second, intergenerational trauma is prevalent in Indigenous communities. Finally, intergenerational trauma has cultural and biological influences on obesity. One study investigated intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, obesity, and Indigeneity, while the rest of the selected studies focused on only two or three of the topics. Based on the results of this review, this research calls for additional research in epigenetics, lines of transmission, and obesity. This review also calls for continued studies regarding trauma, motherhood, and the connection between trauma, obesity, and epigenetics in Indigenous communities. Finally, frameworks of healing need continuous development, such as culturally relevant programs, parent workshops, and government initiatives.
Department
Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Schafte, Krista, "The Influence of Intergenerational Trauma on Epigenetics and Obesity in Indigenous Populations: A Systematic Literature Review" (2022). WWU Honors College Senior Projects. 579.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwu_honors/579
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Indigenous peoples--Health and hygiene; Intergenerational relations; Epigenetics; Obesity
Genre/Form
abstract note
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf