Can the migration stress transmit to people’s genes from anchestors’ challenging experiences or difficulties? According to Rumeysa Betül Cebeci it is possible to say genetic information caused by environmental factors can be transmitted from generation to generation.
The migration action exposes immigrants to brand new experiences cognitively, emotionally and behaviourally. Considering the psychological and physical difficulties experienced before, during, and after migration, it can simply be said that migration is a traumatic life event.
It is known that at least 100 million people have been forced to leave their homes in the last 10 years, and three out of every four asylum seekers have difficulty in finding accommodation. Immigrant mental health studies clearly reveal that displaced persons experience physical and psychological traumas and are exposed to intense stress.
This analysis reveals that the long-lasting epigenetic changes can occur in the brain cells. It drives how the second and third generations of these individuals respond to lifelong challenges. Learned conditioning, anxiety, and stress of parents can be seen in the second and third generations. Stress tolerances of these generations might have reduced, and their stress responses might have altered.
However, the stress can be turned into an advantage by raising awareness and coping methods. Therefore, the duty of every institution and individual working with refugee societies is to ensure that refugees gain opportunities to develop protective factors and psychological resistance.
