Epigenetics and Generational Trauma

The Wellbeing Lab with Will Young

16-05-2023 • 28 mins

I'm getting scientific this week! I'm delving into the world of epigenetics, which is the study of how our behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. It's a relatively new field, so I called up the wonderful Dr Chloe Wong to give me the latest. Dr Chloe is a senior lecturer in epigenetics and she works at the Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience within King's College London.


One of the questions I ask, thanks to a question from you dear listener, is about whether trauma felt by our ancestors can be passed down to us genetically and the answer might not be what you think.


You can follow Dr Chloe on Twitter @ChloeCWong and if you're looking for more information on the studies she mentions you can find them here:

The EDGI Eating Disorders Genetic Initiative also on Twitter @EDGI_UK

The Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study also on Twitter @ERiskstudy

The NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre also on Twitter @NIHRMaudsleyBRC and Facebook


Please share your thoughts, feelings and feedback on the episode. Here's all the ways you can get in touch with the Wellbeing Lab:

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Email: hello@wellbeinglabpodcast.com


The Wellbeing Lab is produced by AudioAF and is part of the Acast creator network.


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