A Conceptual Model of Historical Trauma: Implications for Public Health Practice and Research

Historical trauma theory is a relatively new concept in public health, and suggests that populations historically subjected to long-term, mass trauma-colonialism, slavery, war, and genocide exhibit a higher prevalence of disease even several generations after the original trauma occurred. Understanding how historical trauma might influence the current health status of racial/ethnic populations in the U.S. may provide new directions and insights for eliminating health disparities. Finally, implications for public health practice and research are discussed.