Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing

In this deeply moving and transformative audiobook, Dr. Joy Degruy presents a groundbreaking exploration of the enduring effects of slavery and racism on African American identity, behavior, and culture. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome combines decades of research, historical analysis, and lived experience to unveil how the trauma of slavery has been transmitted across generations - shaping the emotional. psychological, and social landscape of Black communities today.

Dr. Degruy introduces the concept of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS) - a condition resulting from centuries of oppression, the absence of opportunity to heal, and the continued presence of systemic racism. Through compelling storytelling, she reveals how this intergenerational trauma manifests in patterns of low self-esteem, internalized racism, and anger - yet she also shows that these patterns are not immutable. With compassion and clarity, Degruy guides listeners towards understanding the deep historical roots of these challenges while emphasizing the extraordinary resilience, creativity, and strength that have allowed African Americans to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

Whether you are a student of history, a mental health professional, or simply a listener seeking to understand America's unfinished journey toward justice, this audiobook will leave you informed, challenged and ultimately inspired to be part of the healing.

© 2025 Patricia Gardinson (Audiobook): 9798318073960

Release date

Audiobook: 11 October 2025