ABSTRACT
Psychoanalytic literature and biological research as well as life and clinical experience undeniably point to the fact that intergenerational transmission of trauma is both widespread and insidious. Collective/group trauma almost always seems to have an intergenerational component, both in terms of its origins and its sustainability. This chapter addresses some complex and multi-level factors involved in how terror of an external threat can be internalized. Within analytic literature, turning passive into active with regard to trauma is ubiquitous and, clinically, an undeniably powerful and central force in its amelioration. The egocentricity of a child’s perspective makes a defense that evolves into a symptom serve as proof of inadequacy and even self-destructive tendencies. Given the socio-economic and political history in Peter Wolson background, the traumatic losses can be viewed as personal, familial and collective/cultural. While Peter’s exceptional analytical skills and steadfast work ethic enabled him to advance professionally, he frequently had to surmount an almost paralyzing anxiety.
