This article contains major spoilers for the movie Encanto, available on Disney+.
It was then that the candle Alma held magically defended her and led her to their new village.
“The Family Madrigal”: What Is Intergenerational Trauma?
Verywell / Ellen Lindner / Walt Disney Studios
This has caused them to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, perfectionism, and fear of rejection.
As Lam explains, “There are many rivers that flow into the reservoir of trauma.”
For example, a history of substance abuse in generation after generation may speak to intergenerational trauma.
Ling Lam, PhD
There are many rivers that flow into the reservoir of trauma.
This reveals family patterns and repeated dynamics across generations that help contextualize how one generation has impacted the next.
Many of these trauma responses are reflected inEncanto.
Self-blame
Self-blame is reflected in feelings of shame or unworthiness.
Luisa’s power is super-strength and she takes on any task the community throws at her.
However, the weight of doing so much has resulted in her experiencinganxiety.
InEncanto, both Abuela and Mirabel demonstrate denial by refusing to acknowledge their personal traumatic experiences.
Sometimes these individuals can become emotionally, verbally, or physically abusive.
InEncanto, Abuela’s interactions with Mirabel can be seen as examples of this.
This eventually leads her to verbally attack Mirabel for every negative thing thats ever happened to the family.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal happens when an individual retreats from life because they don’t feel safe.
InEncanto, this can be seen through Bruno’s reaction to his circumstances.
“What Else Can I Do?
“: What Can Be Done To Heal Intergenerational Trauma?
Encanto’s Madrigal family heals theirintergenerational traumaby repairing their home and finally acknowledging and discussing their problems.
[As a result,] talking itself is insufficient.”
