Genetic Memory?

[davidgp]

Like Mike in Cumbria I'm deeply skeptical about the idea of 'genetic memory'. But I'm surprised no one has mentioned Ancestor syndrome or the psychogenealogical theories of Anne Schutzenberger based on her transgenerational psychotherapies which seems rationally to explain some of the ideas.
David

[Rattus]

Like Mike in Cumbria I'm deeply skeptical about the idea of 'genetic memory'. But I'm surprised no one has mentioned Ancestor syndrome or the psychogenealogical theories of Anne Schutzenberger based on her transgenerational psychotherapies which seems rationally to explain some of the ideas.

Fascinating, thanks for the pointer. This line from the Amazon synopsis certainly leaves me wanting to know more (my emphasis):

"The theory of "invisible loyalty" owed to previous generations, which may make us unwittingly re-enact their life events, is discussed in the light of ongoing research into transgenerational therapy."

[Mart 'n' Al]

I had already created the following before Rattus beat me to it.

The Ancestor Syndrome: Transgenerational Psychotherapy and the Hidden Links in the Family Tree

In this text Anne Ancelin Schutzenberger explains and provides clinical examples of her psychogenealogical approach to psychotherapy. She shows how, as mere links in a chain of generations, we may have no choice in having the events and traumas experienced by our ancestors visited upon us in our own lifetime. The book includes case studies and examples of "genosociograms" (family trees) to illustrate how her clients have conquered seemingly irrational fears, psychological and even physical difficulties by discovering and understanding the parallels between their own life and the lives of their forebears. The theory of "invisible loyalty" owed to previous generations, which may make us unwittingly re-enact their life events, is discussed in the light of ongoing research into transgenerational therapy. The title was first published as "Aie, mes aieux" in France."

Even second-hand, it isn't cheap.

Martin

[Mowsehowse]

.... as mere links in a chain of generations, we may have no choice in having the events and traumas experienced by our ancestors visited upon us in our own lifetime.

In the same way as children who are reared by physical violence tend towards the same method of control with their own children?

Or war veterans and holocaust survivors are likely to be suffering PTSD all their remaining lives which must impact on their social interactions influencing future generations?

[Rosinish]

Of no help but worth a read...

https://documentaryheaven.com/extraordinary-people-the-boy-who-lived-before/

I don't know if there's been an update since I saw the documentary on tv (a while ago) as to whether a connection was found but there's nothing indexed on SP for a Shane Robertson.

Annie

[melba_schmelba]

Have epigenetics been mentioned yet? A study of holocaust survivors and their children showed that epigenetic changes may occur as a result of trauma and can be passed on to further generations

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/aug/21/study-of-holocaust-survivors-finds-trauma-passed-on-to-childrens-genes

[Gan Yam]

As Shakespeare wrote: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy"

I take this to mean that in an infinite universe there are infinite possibilities - you can't know what you don't know and because you don't know doesn't mean its either not possible or possible, only that its not proved or even not thought of!!  We used to believe the earth was flat!

[arthurk]

Have epigenetics been mentioned yet?

I didn't use the term 'epigenetics', but this is the kind of thing I was alluding to in Reply #10, and there was some discussion of it in the following few posts.

[Rosinish]

We used to believe the earth was flat!

I still do!

Annie