What term describes the cycle where individuals exposed to violence in their homes continue the pattern in their own families?

The term "generational cycle" accurately describes the pattern where individuals who have been exposed to violence in their homes continue this cycle of violent behavior in their own families. This concept emphasizes how behaviors and experiences can be passed down from one generation to the next, often resulting in repeated patterns of violence.

In this context, the generational cycle highlights the impact of familial relationships and the environment in which a person grows up. Children who witness or are subjected to violence may internalize these experiences and view them as acceptable or normal, thereby perpetuating the cycle when they become adults and start their own families. This cycle can lead to ongoing issues in relationships and social dynamics, creating a persistent cycle of dysfunctional behavior.

The other options, while related to the impact of violence and trauma, do not capture the specific focus on the continuation of violent behaviors across generations as directly as the term "generational cycle." Intergenerational trauma refers to the psychological effects of trauma that affect descendants, violent legacy emphasizes the inheritance of violent behaviors but is less formal, and cyclic aggression speaks more to repetitive aggressive behavior without necessarily linking it to familial patterns.