Investigating the Intergenerational Impact of Trauma on the Survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi on Attention and Processing speed

This research examines how trauma experienced by one generation, particularly large scale collective trauma such as the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, may influence the neurocognitive functioning of the next generation. The study focuses on two key cognitive domains: attention, the ability to sustain and shift focus and processing speed the efficiency of cognitive task performance (Leskin & White, 2007; Aupperle et al., 2012). Building on evidence that trauma exposure can produce neurobiological changes, the study also explores the protective role of resilience. Previous findings show that individuals with stronger coping capacities demonstrate greater hippocampal resilience and neuroplasticity, which may buffer the impact of PTSD (Yehuda & Flory, 2007). Because attentional deficits are well documented in PTSD and linked to broader cognitive decline (Warmingham et al, 2021), considering how resilience mitigates these effects is critical. Rwanda offers a unique context for this inquiry, as the enduring consequences of genocide remain evident across generations. Purpose of the Study The primary aim is to assess whether intergenerational trauma and the resilience of both parents and offspring is associated with measurable differences in attention and processing speed among young adults whose parents experienced severe traumatic events.