The trauma of 9/11 may be affecting generations of families

Friday 04 September 2026 - 17:48

By: Azzat Manal

The trauma of 9/11 may be affecting generations of families

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the psychological consequences of the tragedy may still be affecting the families of those who responded to the disaster. A new study suggests that children of first responders who developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the attacks may face a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems themselves.

Researchers from Columbia University examined the long-term effects of trauma among children whose parents were exposed to the aftermath of the attacks. Their findings suggest that children did not need to experience the destruction themselves to be affected by it. Instead, parental fear, anxiety, distrust and changes in behavior may have transmitted some of the psychological consequences of the disaster to the next generation.

The research builds on earlier studies involving Holocaust survivors and Vietnam War veterans, which found that severe parental trauma can influence the psychological well-being of their children. However, the September 11 attacks provided a distinctive setting because many first responders and rescue workers were exposed to the disaster site for prolonged periods.

Previous research had already documented behavioral and psychological difficulties among some children of police officers and emergency workers following the attacks. The latest study sought to determine whether these effects could still be observed as those children reached adulthood.

Researchers found an association between parental PTSD following the attacks and a range of mental health problems among their children. While the children appeared to have a lower likelihood of developing PTSD themselves, they showed increased vulnerability to conditions such as depression, anxiety and panic-related symptoms.

The intensity and duration of parental exposure also appeared to matter. Children were more likely to experience psychological difficulties when their parents had arrived at the disaster site soon after the attacks, spent extended periods there or were exposed to human remains and other traumatic conditions.

The findings also pointed to differences between groups of first responders. Children of rescue and cleanup workers appeared to experience somewhat poorer outcomes than children of police officers. Researchers suggest that differences in preparation, training and access to professional support may have contributed to this contrast.

The long-term consequences of exposure to the September 11 disaster may extend beyond psychological health. Separate research has investigated the effects of prolonged exposure to toxic dust and severe stress on the physical and neurological health of first responders.

A 2025 study involving thousands of first responders used magnetic resonance imaging and an artificial intelligence model to compare estimated brain age with chronological age. Researchers reported that participants with PTSD showed signs of accelerated brain aging compared with those who did not develop the disorder.

Other research has also raised concerns about the long-term neurological consequences of heavy exposure to the toxic dust present at the World Trade Center site. These findings underline the possibility that the health effects of the attacks can persist decades after the original event.

Scientists emphasize that intergenerational trauma is complex and cannot be attributed to a single mechanism. Family environment, parental mental health, social support, genetics and individual experiences can all influence psychological outcomes.

The latest findings nevertheless highlight the importance of long-term support for people exposed to major disasters and their families. Mental health consequences can persist long after an emergency has ended, making continued monitoring and access to appropriate care essential.

The September 11 attacks therefore remain not only a historical event but also a powerful example of how large-scale trauma can leave consequences that extend beyond the people who directly experienced it. For some families, the psychological impact may continue to be felt across generations.