Beyond Inheritance: Healing Intergenerational Trauma with the WEALTH Program

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Kenneth Huynh, Kim-Phung Van

Abstract or Description

Background: Though historical trauma has a broad negative impact on the socioeconomic and psychological well-being of Vietnamese American communities, research remains scarce and deficit-focused. Mindfulness-based interventions have also been effective for healing forms of collective trauma but have had limited application in Vietnamese communities. To address both these research gaps, we developed, implemented, and evaluated a community-led mindfulness-based intervention that addresses historical trauma within the Vietnamese American community. 

Methods: After months of community conversation, we developed a 4-week Wellness, Emotional Alignment, and inTergenerational Healing (WEALTH) program that includes psychoeducation about the intergenerational transmission of historical trauma, reflection activities, group dialogue, and mindfulness practice. Following IRB approval, WEALTH was piloted at CU Denver in Fall 2023 with a sample of 12 participants consisting of students and broader community members. Participants were eligible if they were 18 years or older, spoke English, identified as Vietnamese American, and had either immigrated to the U.S. or had a parent immigrate to the U.S. Data was collected via group audio recordings, post-program evaluation surveys, and individual interviews following program completion.

Results: Preliminary qualitative data analysis on interviews, audio recordings, and post-program evaluation surveys revealed that participants consistently reported a) greater understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impact on their daily lives and community, b) increased exploration of their identity in relation to Vietnamese culture and c) cultivated understanding of how intergenerational trauma’s influence on their intimate and family relationships. 

Discussion: Results overall suggest that WEALTH has a positive impact on several factors of individual and collective well-being, including sense of identity, family relationships, understanding of intergenerational trauma, and resilience in personal and family stories. The data confirms a need within the Vietnamese American community to promote community-based healing and the potential integration of mindfulness, given its intimate connection with Vietnamese culture and practices. 

Mentor

Soyon Bueno