Dr. John A. King uses a flea-in-a-jar experiment to explain generational trauma. Fleas trapped in a sealed jar stop jumping above the lid's height after three days, and this limitation persists for life. Their offspring inherit the same constrained behavior without ever experiencing the original jar.
The fleas are placed inside the jar and the lid is then sealed. They are left undisturbed for 3 days. Then, when the jar is opened, the fleas will not jump out. In fact, the fleas will never jump higher than the level set by the lid. Their behavior is now set for the rest of their lives. And when these fleas reach produce, their offspring will automatically follow their example. This is how generational trauma truly works.
