Genealogy

Editorial

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6 pages, 183 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being: Introduction to the Special Issue

by Susan M. Moore

Genealogy 2022, 6(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy6010020 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6415

Abstract

The idea for this Special Issue of Genealogy came from my fascination not just with my own family history research, but through my involvement with groups of other passionate fellow family history researchers [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

Research

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12 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Human Remains to Powerful Objects: Ancestor Research from a Deep-Time Perspective

by Lindsey Büster

Genealogy 2022, 6(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy6010023 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3331

Abstract

Family history research has seen a surge in popularity in recent years; however, is this preoccupation with who we are and where we come from new? Archaeological evidence suggests that ancestors played crucial and ubiquitous roles in the identities and cosmologies of past [...] Read more.

Family history research has seen a surge in popularity in recent years; however, is this preoccupation with who we are and where we come from new? Archaeological evidence suggests that ancestors played crucial and ubiquitous roles in the identities and cosmologies of past societies. This paper will explore how, in the absence of genealogical websites and DNA testing, kinship structures and understandings of personhood beyond genealogy may have influenced concepts of ancestry. Case studies from later prehistoric Britain will demonstrate the ways in which monuments, objects and human remains themselves created bonds between the living and the dead, prompting us to reflect on genealogy as just one aspect of our identity in the present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

16 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of DNA Test Results on Biological and Family Identities

by Catherine Agnes Theunissen

Genealogy 2022, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy6010017 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 10163

Abstract

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing is increasingly affordable and accessible, and the potential implications from these tests are becoming more important. As additional people partake in DNA testing, larger population groups and information will cause further refinement of results and more extensive databases, resulting in [...] Read more.

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing is increasingly affordable and accessible, and the potential implications from these tests are becoming more important. As additional people partake in DNA testing, larger population groups and information will cause further refinement of results and more extensive databases, resulting in further potential opportunities to connect biological relatives and increased chances of testers potentially having their identities re-aligned, reinforced or solidified. The effects of DNA testing were explored through 16 semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with participants who had received their DNA test results. These participants came from diverse groups, genders and ethnic backgrounds. A thematic analysis found that notions of family were frequently challenged with unexpected DNA test results causing shifts in personal and social identities, especially in their family and biological identities. Discrepancies in DNA test results prompted re-negotiation of these identities and affected their feelings of belonging to their perceived social groups. Participants’ identities were important to them in varying degrees, with some feeling stronger connections with specific identities, thus having significant re-alignment of these identities and feelings of belonging. This article discusses the thematic analysis’s findings and explores how identities of the participants, many of whom took the test for genealogical purposes, were affected by DNA test results. As more people undertake DNA testing, it is important to explore how it may change the notions of family in the future and how their biological and family identities are affected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

21 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Key Psychological Theories Can Enrich Our Understanding of Our Ancestors and Help Improve Mental Health for Present and Future Generations: A Family Historian’s Perspective

by Helen Parker-Drabble

Genealogy 2022, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy6010004 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6955

Abstract

Family historians could increase their understanding of their ancestors and themselves and improve the mental health of living and future generations if they consider the psychological history of their forebears. Genealogists could then begin to recognize their family’s unique psychological inheritance that can [...] Read more.

Family historians could increase their understanding of their ancestors and themselves and improve the mental health of living and future generations if they consider the psychological history of their forebears. Genealogists could then begin to recognize their family’s unique psychological inheritance that can appear as a result of trauma, depression, or addiction. The author explores three generations of a Parker family branch from Huntingdon/Norfolk, England, to show family historians how such considerations can shed light on their family’s psychological legacy. The author does this by introducing us to her great-grandmother Ann grandfather Walter, and mother Doreen through the lens of attachment theory, and their adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as poverty, bereavement, and addiction. Attachment matters because it affects not only how safe we feel, our ability to regulate our emotions and stress, our adaptability, resilience, and lifelong mental and physical health, but attachment style can also be passed on. In addition, this paper utilizes attachment theory to speculate on the likely attachment styles for the three generations of the Parker family and looks at the possible parenting behavior in the first two, the effect of alcoholism and the intergenerational impact of trauma and depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

7 pages, 199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Family Histories, Family Stories and Family Secrets: Late Discoveries of Being Adopted

by Gary Clapton

Genealogy 2021, 5(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5040105 - 8 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3922

Abstract

This paper reviews what we know about the experiences of adopted people who discover in later-life that they are adopted. It begins by discussing how and why various facets of the adoption experience have come to the fore over the 20th and 21st [...] Read more.

This paper reviews what we know about the experiences of adopted people who discover in later-life that they are adopted. It begins by discussing how and why various facets of the adoption experience have come to the fore over the 20th and 21st century time span of contemporary adoption. The paper concludes with the fact that research on the late discovery of adoption is in its infancy. It also points to parallels that will exist for people who have been conceived by anonymous donation and raises additional areas for possible research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

15 pages, 1429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

(Re)discovering the Familial Past and Its Impact on Historical Consciousness

by Emma L. Shaw and Debra J. Donnelly

Genealogy 2021, 5(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5040102 - 1 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4492

Abstract

Family history has become a significant contributor to public and social histories exploring and (re)discovering the micro narratives of the past. Due to the growing democratisation of digital access to documents and the proliferation of family history media platforms, family history is now [...] Read more.

Family history has become a significant contributor to public and social histories exploring and (re)discovering the micro narratives of the past. Due to the growing democratisation of digital access to documents and the proliferation of family history media platforms, family history is now challenging traditional custodianship of the past. Family history research has moved beyond the realms of archives, libraries and community-based history societies to occupy an important space in the public domain. This paper reports on some of the findings of a recent study into the historical thinking and research practices of Australian family historians. Using a case study methodology, it examines the proposition that researching family history has major impacts on historical understanding and consciousness using the analytic frameworks of Jorn Rüsen’s Disciplinary Matrix and his Typology of Historical Consciousness. This research not only proposes these major impacts but argues that some family historians are shifting the historical landscape through the dissemination of their research for public consumption beyond traditional family history audiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

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11 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilgrimage and Purpose: Ancestor Research as Sacred Practice in a Secular Age

by Rebecca Robinson

Genealogy 2021, 5(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5040090 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4147

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which ancestor research has become a replacement for religious community and practice in a post-religious world. We explore the parallels of popular present-day family history pursuits with traditional religious practices, noting the similarities in how the practices [...] Read more.

This paper explores the ways in which ancestor research has become a replacement for religious community and practice in a post-religious world. We explore the parallels of popular present-day family history pursuits with traditional religious practices, noting the similarities in how the practices are used to foster and strengthen feelings of identity, purpose, and belonging. We look at three particular customs that are common to those interested in ancestor research: the handing on of ‘sacred’ stories and objects with familial significance; acts of pilgrimage to ancestrally significant places; and engaging in ‘ritual’ gatherings, either with extended family or with others who share the interest of ancestor research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

13 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

What Motivates Family Historians? A Pilot Scale to Measure Psychosocial Drivers of Research into Personal Ancestry

by Susan M. Moore and Doreen A. Rosenthal

Genealogy 2021, 5(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5030083 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4803

Abstract

Participation in family history research may be a passing phase for some, but for others, it is a recreational pursuit exciting passionate intensity that goes beyond idle curiosity or short-term interest. In this paper, we explore some of the underlying motives that drive [...] Read more.

Participation in family history research may be a passing phase for some, but for others, it is a recreational pursuit exciting passionate intensity that goes beyond idle curiosity or short-term interest. In this paper, we explore some of the underlying motives that drive amateur genealogists, including the search for self-understanding, the desire to give something of value to others and the enjoyment of the many intellectual challenges that this hobby can provide. Using data accessed from an online survey of 775 Australian family historians, we developed a reliable and valid measure of the intensity of these psychosocial motives and used research participants’ qualitative data to suggest four further motives of interest for future research and measure development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

Review

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11 pages, 1180 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ancestral Selfies and Historical Traumas: Who Do You Feel You Are?

by Pam Jarvis

Genealogy 2022, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy6010001 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4219

Abstract

The potential for ‘historical trauma’ is deeply rooted within the evolved human mind, which constructs its reality through narrative in the shape of personally and culturally relevant stories. From its roots within psychoanalytic theory and practice and through its clear links with infant [...] Read more.

The potential for ‘historical trauma’ is deeply rooted within the evolved human mind, which constructs its reality through narrative in the shape of personally and culturally relevant stories. From its roots within psychoanalytic theory and practice and through its clear links with infant attachment, historical trauma can be theoretically linked with stress biology and the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Via this trajectory, it has the potential to become more commonly drawn upon in the field of public health, despite inconclusive attempts to link it to social epigenetics. It is proposed that when the historical trauma narrative invades family histories via negative experiences that have deeply impacted upon the lives of ancestors, descendants may be drawn to ‘traumatic reenactment’ through fantasy. This is explored with reference to my own recently published novel, examining its content through the perspective of the ‘psychic work’ it represents with respect to reconciling the self to the traumatic experiences of ancestors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

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Other

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10 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Context: The Role of Place and Heritage in Genealogy

by Graeme Aplin

Genealogy 2021, 5(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5020058 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2954

Abstract

Genealogical research often focuses to varying degrees on the family tree and the ancestors that inhabit it, often ignoring, or at least downplaying, broader issues. There is, however, much scope for broadening the research by adding leaves and flowers to the fruit (the [...] Read more.

Genealogical research often focuses to varying degrees on the family tree and the ancestors that inhabit it, often ignoring, or at least downplaying, broader issues. There is, however, much scope for broadening the research by adding leaves and flowers to the fruit (the people) on the tree. The broader context to a person’s ancestry is often intriguing and enlightening, providing background information that places the people in their environments, perhaps explaining their actions and lifestyles in the process. Two aspects of this context are dealt with here. The first aspect relates to the place in which each person lives, in other words, to their geographical environment, both natural and social or human made. Secondly, their personal heritage is considered: this includes the most important items in their lives, perhaps inconsequential to others but with long-term meaning for them and quite possibly for their descendants. Other broader aspects of heritage may well be relevant, too. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

14 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Family History and Searching for Hidden Trauma—A Personal Commentary

by Antonia Bifulco

Genealogy 2021, 5(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5020046 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3356

Abstract

Background: Searching family history is now popular through increased internet access coinciding with a need for understanding identity. Prior unresolved war trauma can help explain impacts on subsequent generations and the need to search for family narrative, particularly in refugee families. This paper [...] Read more.

Background: Searching family history is now popular through increased internet access coinciding with a need for understanding identity. Prior unresolved war trauma can help explain impacts on subsequent generations and the need to search for family narrative, particularly in refugee families. This paper explores the search for trauma narratives through personal family history research, with links to community groups. Method: The author’s own Polish family history research provides examples of trauma and loss from World War II in Poland. This is supplemented by quotes from an existing interview study of second-generation Poles to amplify themes and indicate their wider community relevance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

3 pages, 155 KiB

Open AccessBook Review

Book Review: The Psychology of Family History

by Pam Jarvis

Genealogy 2021, 5(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5020039 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2275

Abstract

This article reviews The Psychology of Family History. It proposes this as an excellent introductory text for ancestry research, creating a lively discussion of its effects upon individuals and potentially upon communities. The review additionally proposes that the book will be equally [...] Read more.

This article reviews The Psychology of Family History. It proposes this as an excellent introductory text for ancestry research, creating a lively discussion of its effects upon individuals and potentially upon communities. The review additionally proposes that the book will be equally useful for academic and independent researchers in the relevant fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Family Historians: How Ancestor Research Affects Self-Understanding and Well-Being)

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