Intergenerational Cycles of Trauma and Violence

Pamela C. Alexander, PhD, has conducted family violence research for over 30 years. At the Universities of Memphis, Maryland and Pennsylvania, she was the PI for three federally funded projects including the first randomized clinical trial of group treatment for incest survivors and a psychotherapy outcome study of the use of motivational interviewing with male batterers. She also evaluated the Army’s and the Marines’ home visitation child abuse prevention program. She currently consults with JBS International and has a private practice. She lives in Sherborn, Massachusetts.

"I wish I had this book when I started my career, and I am thrilled to have it now. Dr. Alexander brilliantly integrates leading theory and research from a wide variety of fields to help readers understand the complex interactions between familial, biological, psychological, and social factors that can lead to intergenerational cycles of violence and trauma. This book will be a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers for years to come." -- Scott R. Woolley, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Couple and Family Therapy California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University "This is the best-and in reality only-comprehensive treatment of intergenerational cycles of maltreatment and abuse. It is also one of the best integrations of systemic thinking with attachment theory you are likely to find anywhere. Alexander's book is essential reading for all those working clinically with children and adults, together or individually, who bring experiences of trauma into the consulting room." -- Peter Fonagy, OBE, FMedSci, FBA, PhD, Professor of Psychoanalysis, Head of Research Dept of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London; Chief Executive, Anna Freud Centre "This book is essential reading for researchers and clinicians who work in the area of violence and trauma. The compelling case examples help to bring the material to life. Implications for treatment are presented as well as factors that can enhance resilience. This significant volume tackles difficult questions and provides an insightful analysis of the current literature on violence and victimization. It is a foundation for guiding future research." -- Victoria Follette, PhD, Foundation Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno "In this beautifully written book, Dr. Pam Alexander has shed light on an important and understudied topic: intergenerational cycles of trauma and violence. She has drawn from a variety of sources and melded them with contemporary findings from the neurosciences and from attachment and family systems theories to offer new insights about intergenerational cycles of violence that affect individuals and families. The information provided here can be used to guide the development of relational and behavioral interventions that offer hope for breaking the cycle, thereby sparing victims from repeated abusive behavior and from revictimization." -- Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist, Private Practice, Washington, DC; National Clinical Trauma Consultant, Elements Behavioral Health, Promises, Malibu