Article summary for Literature review(4)

Chou, F., Buchanan, M., McDonald, M., Westwood, M. and Huang, C. 2023. Narrative Themes of Chinese Canadian Intergenerational Trauma: Parental Experiences. Counselling psychology quarterly. 36(4), pp.696–735.

The article provides a nuanced insight into the complex transmission of trauma from parents to offspring, shaped by historical sociopolitical upheavals in China.

Historical Context and Traumatic Events: The 20th century was marked by significant sociopolitical upheavals in China, with far-reaching impacts on its population. Notably, the repercussions of European and Japanese imperialism were profound, culminating in events like the Sino-Japanese War in 1894. The subsequent political turmoil included the Qing Dynasty's collapse, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's 1911 revolution establishing the Republic of China, and a series of conflicts including a civil war initiated in 1927 between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as well as the second Sino-Japanese War starting in 1937. Following World War II, the CCP, under Mao Zedong, overthrew the KMT, leading to the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Mao's era was particularly devastating, characterized by policies that led to the Great Leap Forward, the Great Famine, and the Cultural Revolution, resulting in the estimated deaths of millions and widespread societal trauma. The contested nature of these historical accounts—often mired in political and ideological bias—highlights the difficulties in obtaining a clear understanding of these events' impacts.

Intergenerational Trauma among Chinese Canadians: The narratives from Chinese Canadian parents reflect a significant historical trauma transmitted across generations. Research delineates how events such as the Cultural Revolution and the Great Famine are perceived not just as historical events but as collective and cultural traumas that have shaped the identities and psychological landscapes of subsequent generations. The ongoing impact of these traumas is evident in the parental narratives that recount experiences of extreme manipulation, oppression, and the destruction of social and cultural structures under communist policies. These narratives articulate a profound sense of loss—of social standing, educational opportunities, and personal freedoms, deeply influencing parental expectations and relationships with their offspring.

Cultural Dynamics and Trauma Transmission: The transmission of trauma in Chinese Canadian families is intricately linked with cultural values such as filial piety, which were disrupted during Mao’s regime. The shift from traditional values to a culture of suspicion and ideological purity has had lasting effects on family dynamics, influencing how parents interact with and what they expect from their children. This shift is evident in the way parents narrate their histories and their current relationships with their children, often expressing a desire to shield them from similar hardships. This protective instinct, however, is also acknowledged as a source of additional pressure on the children, potentially replicating trauma's effects rather than mitigating them.

Research Gaps and Cultural Considerations: While there is emergent literature on the traumatic stress experienced by Chinese populations, the focus has predominantly been on the offspring’s perspective, with limited studies addressing parental experiences and their specific cultural contexts. The existing studies reveal that trauma's effects are perceived and experienced differently across cultural lines, necessitating a culturally sensitive approach that recognizes the unique ways trauma is understood and processed within Chinese Canadian communities. This approach underscores the importance of integrating cultural insights into psychological research and therapy, particularly when addressing intergenerational trauma.

Key Findings

Decimation of Social Structures: Traumatic experiences related to the destruction of traditional social, familial, and cultural structures during significant political upheavals in China.

Experiences of Oppression and Abuse: Accounts of severe personal and familial struggles during periods of political chaos, highlighting the oppressive nature of the socio-political context.

Survival Desperation: Descriptions of extreme survival measures taken during times of crisis, reflecting the severe conditions faced.

Personal Losses: Significant losses, particularly in terms of denied educational and professional opportunities due to political affiliations and class background.

Transmission of Trauma: How these experiences have shaped parental aspirations and fears for their children, emphasising a desire for stability and opportunities for the next generation.

Limitations

The study acknowledges its limitations, including a small sample size and a specific focus on Chinese Canadians, which may impact the generalisability of the findings to other populations or broader contexts of intergenerational trauma.

This article can greatly contribute to my research on ‘matriarchal domination’ The help is for the transmission of trauma, for example The findings on how trauma is transmitted from parents to children, especially regarding parental expectations and pressures, are directly relevant to my research on mother-daughter relationships. This article's in-depth analysis of the expectations that historical trauma imposes on offspring can help me analyse similar dynamics in mother-daughter relationships.