Imagine a young child who experiences poverty and neglect, who never knows when

Imagine a young child who experiences poverty and neglect, who never knows when he is going to have a meal. His body adapts to binge whenever he is presented with food, in order to store up the energy and sustenance until the next undetermined meal. That same child grows up to be an adult and to have children who he raises in a stable, loving environment. Despite being fed regularly, his children carry the same bingeing adaptation as their father, resulting in them becoming overweight or obese. What is responsible for this phenomenon? Epigenetics, a relatively new science that has ramifications for trauma and social work practice.
In this Discussion, you demonstrate your understanding of epigenetics and consider its usefulness in a social work setting of interest.  Learning Resources
Required Readings
Perry, B. D., & Winfrey, O. (2021). What happened to you? Conversations on trauma, resilience, and healing. Flatiron Books.
Chapter 5, “Connecting the Dots” (pp. 120–151)
Combs-Orme, T. (2013). Epigenetics and the social work imperative. Social Work, 58(1), 23–30. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/sws052
DeAngelis, T. (2019, February). The legacy of trauma. Monitor on Psychology, 50(2). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/02/legacy-trauma
Required Media
PBS LearningMedia. (2009). NOVA scienceNOW: Epigenetics [Video]. https://pbslearningmedia.org/resource/biot09.sci.life.gen.epigenetics/epigenetics/
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 6 minutes.
TEDx Talks. (2016, October 3). Epigenetics – Our bodies’ way to change the destiny written in our DNA | Moshe Szyf | TEDxBratislava [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/SrqmuYvk3iQ
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 17 minutes. Walden University, LLC. (2022). Social work case studies [Interactive media]. https://class.waldenu.edu
Navigate to your chosen case for the Final Project (Lewis or Mel). Then, review the provided genogram for that case.
Optional Resources
Ghosh Ippen, C. M. G. (2018). Wounds from the past: Integrating historical trauma into a multicultural infant mental health framework. In C. H. Zeanah Jr. (Ed.), Handbook of infant mental health (4th ed., pp. 134–153). Guilford Publications.
Credit line: Handbook of Infant Mental Health, 4th Edition by Zeanah, C. Copyright 2018 by Guilford Publications. Reprinted by permission of Guilford Publications via the Copyright Clearance Center. Licensed in 2021.
TEDx Talks. (2015, January 5). Ancestral ghosts in your genome | Michael Skinner | TEDxRainier [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/f1Pf5S8Nbfk
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 20 minutes.
TEDx Talks. (2012, February 23). Epigenetics and the influence of our genes | Courtney Griffins | TEDxOU [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/JTBg6hqeuTg
Review the Learning Resources on intergenerational trauma and epigenetics.
Consider the concept of epigenetics and how you might integrate it in your work with clients.
Post a description of epigenetics and how it differs from genetics. Be sure to explain how the phenomenon results in the transmission of trauma. Additionally, explain the extent to which you have thought about epigenetics previously and ask any questions you still have. Finally, address how knowledge of epigenetics could be useful in a social work setting that interests you