How family history can shape our lives across generations

Every person is part of a family history that began before them. Beyond the events we personally experience, we may also be influenced by the stories, experiences and patterns that exist within our family system.

The term transgenerational refers to what is transmitted from one generation to another. This transmission may include values, beliefs, memories, behaviors, emotional patterns and significant family experiences.

Some of these influences are conscious and openly shared within families. Others may remain unspoken or unknown, yet continue to shape the way individuals relate to themselves, others and the world around them.

Exploring transgenerational influences does not mean assuming that everything in our lives is determined by our family history. Rather, it offers a perspective for understanding how the past may continue to interact with the present.

What Does Transgenerational Mean?

The word transgenerational describes something that crosses or extends beyond generations.

In the context of psychology and family studies, it refers to the transmission of elements from previous generations to later generations.

These elements may come from parents, grandparents or even more distant ancestors whose lives and experiences may still be part of the family story.

This transmission can involve:

• Family values and beliefs

• Emotional patterns

• Ways of responding to difficulties

• Unspoken family rules

• Significant events and memories

• Relationship dynamics

In psychogenealogy and transgenerational approaches, this is sometimes described as a form of psychological inheritance.

This inheritance is not limited to positive or supportive elements. Families may also transmit unresolved experiences, fears, conflicts or patterns that continue to influence descendants.

To understand this process, it is important to explore not only what happened within a family, but also how these experiences were remembered, interpreted and passed on.

How Experiences Can Be Transmitted Across Generations

Families transmit much more than genetic characteristics. They also transmit stories, emotions and ways of understanding life.

For example, a family that has experienced a major loss, migration, conflict or difficult period may develop specific ways of adapting to the world.

These adaptations can become part of the family culture.

A person may grow up with certain beliefs or behaviors without knowing where they originated. Some reactions, fears or expectations may have roots in experiences that occurred before their own lifetime.

In transgenerational approaches, the question is not whether a person is “controlled” by previous generations. Instead, the focus is on exploring possible connections between family history and present experiences.

Understanding these connections can help individuals develop greater awareness of their personal story.

Transgenerational Patterns and Repetition

One of the most explored aspects of transgenerational transmission is repetition.

Some families notice that similar situations seem to occur repeatedly across generations.

These repetitions may involve:

• Similar relationship difficulties

• Recurring family conflicts

• Repeated professional or life choices

• Similar emotional struggles

• Important events occurring at significant moments

From a transgenerational perspective, these patterns may reflect unconscious links between generations.

A person may sometimes repeat a family pattern as a way of maintaining a sense of belonging. Within a family system, loyalty can be expressed through identification with previous generations, even when the inherited pattern creates difficulties.

In some approaches, this is described as an invisible loyalty: an unconscious bond that connects an individual to their family history.

The person is not deliberately choosing to repeat the past. Rather, repetition may be a way of remaining connected to the family group and its story.

You can explore this topic further in our article:

The Role of Family Memory

Family memory plays an important role in transgenerational transmission.

Every family creates a shared memory composed of stories, traditions, important events and collective experiences.

Some memories are openly communicated:

• Stories about ancestors

• Family traditions

• Important achievements

• Shared experiences

Others may remain hidden:

• Difficult events

• Losses

• Conflicts

• Experiences that were considered too painful to discuss

These forgotten or unspoken elements may still influence family relationships and narratives.

Exploring family memory allows individuals to look at their history with greater awareness and curiosity.

It is not about searching for blame or judging previous generations. It is about understanding the context in which family patterns developed.

The Link Between Transgenerational Transmission and Psychogenealogy

Psychogenealogy is one approach that explores transgenerational transmission through the study of family history.

While transgenerational refers to the phenomenon of transmission between generations, psychogenealogy provides tools and methods to investigate these possible influences.

Through elements such as family research, the genosociogram and the exploration of significant events, psychogenealogy helps individuals examine connections between past and present.

The objective is not to change the past, which cannot be changed, but to develop a different relationship with family history.

By bringing awareness to inherited patterns, individuals may discover new perspectives and possibilities for their own lives.

Transgenerational Influences and Family Trauma

Some transgenerational experiences are linked to difficult or painful events.

Family trauma may include experiences such as loss, violence, displacement, major conflicts or other overwhelming situations.

When these experiences remain unresolved or unspoken, they may continue to influence future generations through family narratives, emotions or behaviors.

Exploring these themes requires care and respect. Every family history is unique, and transgenerational approaches invite reflection rather than simple conclusions.

Understanding family trauma can be an important step in recognizing how past experiences may continue to affect present generations.

Can We Transform Inherited Patterns?

A central question in transgenerational exploration is whether inherited patterns can change.

The past itself cannot be modified. Historical events have already happened.

However, our understanding of these events and our relationship with them can evolve.

By becoming aware of family patterns, individuals may create new possibilities for themselves.

This process may involve:

• Exploring family history

• Recognizing repeated patterns

• Understanding emotional inheritances

• Creating new perspectives on past experiences

In psychogenealogy, symbolic acts and personal reflection are sometimes used to help individuals mark a change in their relationship with inherited patterns.

For some people, these practices represent a meaningful way of acknowledging the past while choosing a different path for the future.

Conclusion: Exploring What We Inherit From Previous Generations

Transgenerational influences remind us that every person is connected to a larger family story.

The experiences of previous generations may contribute to the beliefs, patterns and narratives that shape family life.

Exploring these influences does not mean being trapped by the past. Instead, it can provide an opportunity to understand where certain patterns come from and to develop greater awareness.

Through approaches such as psychogenealogy, individuals can explore family transmission, understand inherited patterns and create new perspectives on their personal journey.

Discover more about transgenerational influences, family patterns and psychogenealogy through Agoracademie’s resources and training programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Transgenerational Influences

What does transgenerational mean?

Transgenerational refers to something that is transmitted from one generation to another.

In the context of family history and psychology, it describes how experiences, beliefs, memories, emotional patterns and significant events may influence later generations.

These influences can come from parents, grandparents or more distant ancestors.

What is transgenerational transmission?

Transgenerational transmission refers to the process through which elements of a family history may be passed from one generation to the next.

This may include family values, traditions, ways of responding to challenges, relationship patterns or unresolved experiences.

Some transmissions are conscious and openly shared, while others may remain unconscious or unspoken.

What are examples of transgenerational influences?

Transgenerational influences can appear in different areas of family life.

Examples may include:

• Similar relationship patterns repeating across generations

• Family beliefs about success, money or responsibility

• Emotional responses learned within a family environment

• Recurring roles taken by different family members

• The impact of important historical or personal events

Exploring these influences can help individuals better understand their family history.

Are family patterns inherited?

Family patterns are not inherited in exactly the same way as physical characteristics.

Rather, they may be transmitted through family relationships, education, shared experiences, beliefs and emotional dynamics.

Transgenerational approaches explore how these patterns may influence individuals while recognizing that each person has the ability to develop their own path.

What is the difference between transgenerational and psychogenealogy?

Transgenerational refers to the phenomenon of transmission between generations.

Psychogenealogy is an approach that explores these possible transmissions by studying family history, significant events, relationships and recurring patterns.

In other words, transgenerational describes what may be transmitted, while psychogenealogy provides tools to explore these influences.

Learn more with our article What Is Psychogenealogy?

What is transgenerational trauma?

Transgenerational trauma refers to the way the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences may continue to influence later generations.

Examples may include the impact of war, displacement, violence, loss or major family disruptions.

These experiences may affect family narratives, emotional patterns and relationships between generations.

Can transgenerational patterns be changed?

Yes, many people explore transgenerational patterns precisely because they want to understand them and create new possibilities.

The past cannot be changed, but awareness of family history can help individuals develop a different relationship with inherited patterns.

Understanding a pattern is often the first step toward making more conscious choices.

Do we always repeat the experiences of previous generations?

No. Transgenerational approaches do not suggest that individuals are destined to repeat their family history.

They propose that certain influences may exist, but awareness, personal choices and new experiences can create change.

Family history can be a source of understanding without determining the future.

Why explore ancestral patterns?

Exploring ancestral patterns can help individuals understand recurring themes within their family history.

It may provide new perspectives on behaviors, emotions or situations that appear repeatedly across generations.

This exploration can contribute to personal awareness and a deeper understanding of one’s place within a family story.

A few words about the family secrets

A family secret is something unsaid which means some information kept silent generally because of shame and fear of explaining the inexplicable:

• incest,
• abuse,
• suicide,
• murder...

Family members aware of this past event carefully and willingly often hide this explosive secret in order to protect other members of the tribe or their own reputation.

But if the “explosion” isn't brought to light, the family secret can be dangerous as it will infiltrate in a pernicious and unconscious way and will end by contaminating all the descendants transgenerationally.

Psychogenealogist: Psychogenealogy practitioner training course

In other articles, we have talked about genealogy, Psychogenealogy, family loyalty and also liberating symbolic acts.

Here we will explain what a Psychogenealogy practitioner is and the way to be trained to become one.

Psychogenealogist: the definition

A psychogenealogist is a practitioner trained in Psychogenealogy.

Generally, he is a psychotherapist or psychopractitioner and gives support to his patient in the liberation of psychological issues related to his family history.

The Psychogenealogy training is fairly quick on the theory part because only a few weeks are needed to master the basic concepts.

The curse: its definition

The definition of the word “curse” found in the dictionary connects with the one of Psychogenealogy, a therapeutic method used in psychotherapy that we have been talking about for several days in this blog.

The definition is:

• “words of harm or injury wished upon someone”.

The dictionary even talks about a “prayer or invocation” intending to harm someone, which indicates that a curse is like a sentence for disgrace that seems to be coming from a superior power.

This power is for some people their destiny.

It is written and therefore it occurs.

But for others, this negative energy is passed from one generation to another until a descendant finds a way to banish this fate.