The Effects of Stress May Be Inheritable

Two recent studies in the emerging field of epigenetics indicate that the effects of trauma and stress can be passed down to offspring.  Epigenetic markers are connected to DNA and communicate physical signals from the body to a person’s DNA. These signals influence how genes are expressed.

One study looked at three generations of Syrian women some of whom had experienced an uprising that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. The study revealed twenty-one distinct changes to those directly experiencing trauma. While fourteen changes appeared unique to the grandchildren of these women. One of the study’s authors is the daughter of a Syrian refugee and realized she had access to several generations of women to study.    

A Finnish study compared fathers who experienced high stress in childhood with those who hadn’t and found that men in the high stress group had a different epigenetic profile and that these differences would be passed down from fathers to children. 

The areas where these changes occur in the DNA have been implicated in early brain development and risk factors for several diseases.  Scientists conclude that larger studies are needed to understand the implications.

-----

About Neoscholar: Neoscholar partners with world-leading researchers to create research-driven courses and mentor students through meaningful academic research journeys.