Can Stress Be Inherited? The Traps of Self-Improvement

Can stress be inherited from generation to generation? According to Yale University neurosurgeon John Strugar, stress or trauma experienced by one generation can impact the development of the brains of subsequent generations, creating intergenerational stress waves. Strugar explains, “Let’s say your grandmother grew up in a very turbulent period [war, failed relationship – editor’s note]. Her baseline glucocorticoid levels were elevated, and glucocorticoids easily cross the placenta and affect your mother’s developing brain. Your mother’s amygdala grew in response to the elevated glucocorticoid levels.” This means that the mother was born with a larger amygdala, higher levels of anxiety, and a more intense perception of threat. When she got pregnant, the same process repeated, leading to her children being born with higher levels of anxiety and stress. This explanation aligns with research in epigenetics, which describes how environmental factors can influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself.

Why should you be cautious about self-improvement? According to clinical psychologist Cass Dunn, “It’s important to be cautious of the subtle aggression of self-improvement” because it’s easy to become fixated on it and overlook the limitations of personal development. This can transform genuine intentions into an inability to meet your own standards, creating a lack of self-acceptance and satisfaction. Unhelpful social comparisons and self-criticism may also surface, which can be detrimental to your mental health.