It does have that domino effect you described. I’ve even seen that happen with animals.

The abuse from my mother was nothing compared to the later in my adult life, emotional reaction the abuse from my husband caused me. It’s all tied together, though. The domino effect.

I don’t consider it a curse, and urge you not to either. That feels helpless. I’d rather be healthy. The psychological damage that was done is actually a scientific process that is natural to human nature. It just must be identified, addressed, and resolved to heal from the abuse the best you can and move forward in adult life. Of course, I have only learned that now, 30 years in hindsight.

It’s best to learn how to be healthy and work on that. Make healthy relationships and nurture those. Get rid of toxic ones.