Abstract

PIERREHUMBERT, Blaise. A Memory without Remindings. Tóp. Sem [online]. 2020, n.44, pp.50-61.  Epub Feb 05, 2021. ISSN 2594-0619.

This paper discusses processes that may be involved in the intergenerational transmission of trauma, in the form of memory traces without any reminding. This process would constitute a specific type of “post-memory”. The central hypothesis, closely related to the attachment theory, assumes that when a traumatized person becomes a mother or a father, his/her caregiving quality can be disrupted by defensive segregation of emotions which, in turn, risks to provoke difficulties for the child to experience a feeling of security with his/her parent. Other hypotheses are also considered, particularly the epigenetic transgenerational transmission of trauma.

Keywords : Attachment Theory; intergenerational transmission of trauma; caregiving quality; epigenetics.