Historical Trauma and Public Health

Historical trauma draws upon three theoretical frameworks in Social Epidemiology(1). The first psychosocial theory links physical and psychological stress both arising from the social environment to disease. The second framework is a political and economic theory addressing the three determinants which are political, economic and structural. The third is social and ecological systems recognizing the multilevel dynamics and interdependencies of present and past, proximate and distal as well as life course factors causing disease (1). 

Research indicates that individuals diagnosed with PTSD have higher odds of behavioral health risks and social dysfunction(2). Another research found that individuals who have experienced chronic trauma created deep emotional scars affecting lifelong patterns of interpersonal relationships to master life-skills and role performances(2). Impairments such as the nervous system, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems also contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and CVDs (3). 

References:

1. Krieger, N. 2001. Theories for Social Epidemiology in the 21st Century: An Ecosocial Perspective. International Journal of Epidemiology 30:668–677.
2. Brunello, N.; Davidson, J.; Deahl, M.; et al. 2001. Postraumatic Stress Disorder: Diagnostic and Epidemiology, Comorbidity and Social Consequences,Biology and Treatment. Neuropsychobiology 43:150–162.
3. Jankowsi, K. National Center for Post Traumatic Stress – PTSD and Physical Health. Accessed 10/11/05. Available at h p://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/specifi c/fs_physical_health.html