Verbal Abuse in Childhood Linked to Long-Term Mental Health Effects
New research has highlighted the potential lifelong mental health effects of childhood verbal abuse. The study, conducted by researchers from Wingate University in North Carolina and University College London, suggests that yelling and screaming directed at children can have negative consequences on their mental and physical well-being throughout their lives.
Published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect, the review analyzed 166 previous studies on childhood maltreatment from four medical databases spanning more than four decades. Verbal abuse, categorized as emotional abuse, was highlighted as an important form of childhood maltreatment, alongside physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
The researchers focused on various indicators of verbal abuse, including shouting, yelling, denigrating the child, and verbal threats. They found that these actions could be as damaging to a child’s development as other recognized forms of maltreatment. Emotional abuse, which includes verbal abuse, often goes undetected due to its lack of visibility outside of closed environments.
Verbal abuse can manifest in different ways, including verbal intimidation, hostility, or degradation. It can become normalized within the family or learning environments, but it should never be taken lightly. The study identified parents as the most common perpetrators of verbal abuse, followed by other adults, mothers, teachers, coaches, police, and multiple individuals.
The negative outcomes associated with childhood verbal abuse encompass emotional distress, externalizing symptoms like delinquent behavior and substance use, internalizing behaviors such as low self-esteem and emotional control, neurobiological changes, and physical health issues like obesity and COPD.
Dr. Shanta R. Dube, the director of the Master of Public Health Program at Wingate University and one of the study authors, emphasized the need for greater awareness of childhood verbal abuse among all adults, including parents, teachers, and coaches, for prevention purposes. The study was commissioned by Words Matter, a charity based in the UK that aims to prevent childhood verbal abuse through research and awareness.
Childhood verbal abuse is a hidden problem that can lead to various psychological and behavioral issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidality. The study authors emphasize the importance of detecting and addressing this form of maltreatment to protect children’s well-being.
Recognizing childhood verbal abuse as a form of emotional abuse can help increase awareness and provide a framework for education, research, and intervention. Words have a powerful impact on children, and it is crucial to devise ways to recognize and end childhood verbal abuse, allowing children to flourish.
While the review has some limitations, such as not considering geographical or cultural factors and excluding verbal abuse among peers or romantic partners, it sheds light on the need for better frameworks, definitions, and terminology regarding childhood verbal abuse. Future studies should further explore risk factors and other forms of verbal abuse.
The findings of this research serve as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and society as a whole to be mindful of the impact of their words on children’s mental health. Building awareness and providing support and positive parenting skills are essential in creating a nurturing environment that helps children thrive and prevents the long-term effects of childhood verbal abuse.
