Subscribe now

Health

Trauma of war echoes down the generations

Its effects travel far and wide, says psychologist Zahava Solomon, who studies war and captivity trauma in Israel – "the stress laboratory of the world"

By Michael Bond

4 February 2015

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

The Wall of Names at the armored corps memorial site in Latrun, Israel

(Image: Jonathan Bloom)

What made you choose a career in trauma research?
My mother was in Auschwitz. That has shaped my career, my choice of field. I was very close to my mother. She was one of the very few survivors who talked about her experiences.

How do you characterise a traumatic event?
Any event that puts someone in danger of death or serious injury. Most people exposed to traumatic events cope in an effective way, even though they may feel upset by it. A traumatic response,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop