When Trauma Tears The Fabric of Attachment: Discussion of "The Intergenerational Transmission of Holocaust Trauma: A Psychoanalytic Theory Revisited". (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salberg, Jill
• Is Part Of: Psychoanalytic quarterly. Volume 88:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 563
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Testimony -- transgenerational transmission -- trauma, unconscious transmissions -- unresolved mourning; Psychoanalysis -- Periodicals; 616.8917
• DOI: 10.1080/00332828.2019.1616500
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-2828

Abstract

Abstract : This discussion works to situate intergenerational transmission of Holocaust trauma literature within psychoanalysis and trauma studies, arguing that it is timely for a new appraisal of our psychoanalytic theories regarding these transmissions. I find Gomolin's re-interpretation narrow and unpersuasive, and her focus tends to disregard current literature in psychoanalysis. I make a case for a reappraisal that is saturated with theories and research from attachment theory, affect regulation, intersubjectivity, field theories, epi-genetics, and new evaluations of testimonial research. This interpenetration will offer us greater understanding to the complexity of trauma transmissions across many generations, cultures, traumas, and their historical context.