Generational Echoes: Trauma Transmission in CHamoru Father-Child Relationships Using the HITT Model

Abstract

This study investigates the intergenerational transmission of trauma within CHamoru father-child relationships in Guam using a quantitative approach guided by the Historical Intergenerational Trauma Transmission (HITT) model. Specifically, it examines how paternal trauma-related behaviors—such as trauma-influenced parenting, dysregulated communication, and cultural disconnection—predict psychological outcomes in adult children. A total of 50 father-child dyads were recruited through purposive sampling across community networks. Participants complete a battery of standardized self-report measures, including the Historical Intergenerational Trauma Transmission Questionnaire (HITT-Q), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Data is analyzed using regression analyses to assess the predictive power of trauma transmission mechanisms on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Findings are expected to contribute to culturally responsive understandings of trauma and resilience in CHamoru families and to inform future adaptations of the HITT-Q for Pacific Islander populations.

Presenters

Josiah Gabriel Mesngon
Student, MS Clinical Psychology Graduate Student, University of Guam, Guam

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Social and Community Studies

KEYWORDS

INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA, CHAMORU FAMILIES, TRAUMA TRANSMISSION