Study of Holocaust survivors finds trauma passed on to children's genes (epigenetics)

UK Guardian ^ | Helen Thomson

[EEGator]

It changes genes, or their expression?

[miss marmelstein]

I’ve always believed there was an impact on the health of these children - after all, some of their parents were deprived a good food and healthy exercise and happiness for many years! Not to mention the depression of having to live with hideous memories. We know the impact of famine on Africans - why not Europeans?

[loungitude]

I don’t know the difference.

[EinNYC]

I don't buy this study. First of all, the experimental group was far too small for really valid results. Secondly, I cannot conceive of how the experiences of one individual can be passed on to their offspring. In Boro Park (Brooklyn), where the highest concentration of Holocaust survivors settled in the U.S., I do see behaviors which were obviously learned, such as a significant fear of dogs, particularly German shepherds. I have seen Chassidic men actually cross the street to avoid walking past a dog, especially if it's a large one. This has extended to crossing the street to avoid a cat.

[Marie]

That is what I was thinking.

I was raised in a high-stress environment. It made me a stressed out mom. Sadly, I did pass this on to my kids with ‘high intensity’ parenting. Way too much fear.

Wish I could take it back.

Thankfully, my daughter is doing better.