Intergenerational

 I asked Google AI how cruelty is passed from generation to generation. Here's the answer.

 AI Overview

 Yes, there's evidence suggesting that patterns of cruelty and trauma can be passed down through generations, a phenomenon known as intergenerational trauma. While not a direct biological inheritance of genes, the effects of trauma and adverse experiences can impact parenting styles, behaviors, and emotional responses, potentially leading to a cycle of abuse or trauma in subsequent generations.

 How it happens:
 Learned Behaviors: Children who witness or experience abuse or neglect may learn and repeat these patterns in their own relationships and parenting.

 Emotional and Psychological Impact:
 Trauma can lead to emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that can affect how parents interact with their children.

 Epigenetics:
 Research suggests that environmental factors, including trauma, can influence gene expression and potentially alter the way genes are passed down to future generations.

 Stress Hormones:
 Exposure to chronic stress or trauma can alter hormone levels, potentially impacting brain development and behavior in subsequent generations.