The Psychological Effects of Child Abuse

Physical abuse is “the mistreatment of a child that causes physical injury, impairment, or endangerment.” (Layman 15) It accounts for about 25 percent of abuse cases. (Moses) Children who have been abused usually show certain signs. They tend to be apathetic and withdrawn, but at the same time, constantly scanning their environment for danger. (Oates 43) Physical abuse can leave all kinds of injuries.

Physical Abuse - Is a form of abuse which may be violent towards another person who this person may be vulnerable and might not be able to protect themselves. Examples of this may be; cuts, bruises, and possible broken bones. The long term effects that physical abuse could have are mental illness, scared of people coming near them, loose self-esteem and confidence, and may become vulnerable.

In the typical classroom, a 4-year-old child once said, “If someone wants to have sex with you, you have to do it.” (Rafanello) Child abuse is more prevalent now than ever, and the numbers are only growing. This shows us that child abuse is more relevant now than ever. The amount of damage inflicted on these children mentally range from mild to extreme. This is why it’s important that child abuse gets reported as soon as possible.

. (Stewart, ) contends that feelings of vulnerability, unworthiness and powerless difficulty in distinguishing sexual from affectionate behaviours, mistrust, shame, guilt, stigma and mental health problems are psychological effects of CSA. A study conducted by (Wilson, 2010) indicates that adult survivors of CSA show a series of psychological and physical problems throughout their lives. (Hornor, 2010) argues that the majority of children who are sexually abused will be moderately to severely symptomatic at some point in their life. There is evidence to suggest that (Stevenson, 1999) children who are exposed to sexual abuse are at risk negative consequences as a result of the abuse itself, not solely as a consequence of other associated background

Most commonly individuals associate physical injuries with child abuse, as this is the clearest form of evidence. Physical injuries can be minuscule or extensive, but regardless they are considered to be a short-term consequence of child maltreatment. Physical injuries can occur in a large variety of forms including but not limited to: Skin lesions, fractures, and shaken baby syndrome. Skin lesions, which can consist of burns, bruises and bites, are the most common type of physical maltreatment in children. These types of injuries often occur as a form of extreme punishment. Accordingly, the physical abuse of a child can lead to the projection of their abuse on others, meaning they present more aggressive behaviors than children who are not physically abused. This type of defiance and aggression presents itself in a child in school scenarios where the child is more likely to

Considering the large number of children who are victims of child abuse, it is important to investigate not only the immediate effects of abuse, but also the long-term effects on the child’s well-being. Exposure to childhood maltreatment is a non-specific risk factor associated with many short and long term negative outcomes ranging from externalizing and internalizing behaviors, dissociative symptoms and self-harm behaviors, and adaptability and coping skills (Jackson, Gabrielli, Fleming, Tunno, & Makanui, 2014). When a child grows up in a home environment characterized by hostile interpersonal relationships, physical maltreatment, or neglect he or she is at risk for long-term developmental concerns regarding physiological, social, emotional,

After becoming more familiar with maltreatment and the effect it can cause on children, it is depressing to think about all of the children who have suffered or are suffering from abuse. As a society we are so sheltered from the idea of child abuse. People often ignore the fact that child abuse is happening every day. Children who suffer from child abuse that live with long-term effects are picked on and simply judged because they are different than what our society sees as a perfect person. It is not fare to children to be victims of child abuse. They are too young to physically fight back. It is sickening to know that there are people out there that physically abuse their children or family.

Physical child abuse has grown very vividly within the recent years. When people think physical abuse, majority picture the beating of a child; however, physical abuse not only consist of kicking, biting, choking, throwing, pushing, burning, but anything that causes injuries to a child. On the daily new we hear about a child that has been neglected or abused by a caregiver. According to the Child Help National Child Abuse, one-third of all parents who were abused as a child, typically become abusers of their own children. Physical abuse causes a child to have psychological effects throughout their life.

Child abuse is considered socially unacceptable, unfortunately it happens every day. The effects from childhood maltreatment are long lasting and potentially life threatening. Childhood maltreatment is an act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other care giver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child (Saha, 2012, p. 213). Child abuse acts are committed behind closed doors and lack the necessary attention they need to be prevented. Research has shown that the acts of abuse do not stop behind closed doors. Maltreatment of a child causes effects such as; relationship violence, suicidal behaviors, and repercussions to the brains structure and function.

Childhood maltreatment is commonly divided into four sections which include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect (Wissow, 1995). So the research is going to be done on all of the four elements (e.g. sexual abuse, physical abuse, etc.) that make up maltreatment, and are going to be the main focus of this review because they aspire life-threatening functions to young adolescents. It is important to acknowledge the cycle of violence because when they become adults, abused children

Nowadays, child maltreatment becomes serious problem, which could not only leads to a terrible social phenomenon, but also causes a huge impact on the mental development of children and adolescents in America (Underwood & Rosen, 2013). Child Maltreatment, also called child abuse and neglect, has four identified categories, which are physical abuse, sexual abuse psychological or emotional maltreatment, and neglect, respectively (Trickett et al. , 2011). These four categories of child maltreatment could have a prolonged adverse effect in childhood and even in adolescence (Trickett et al. , 2011).

With the research I have done on this topic, I understand more of what the negative outcomes can cause and how child abuse can change a human being mentally. People take their lives for granted, and they don't realize that their lives could be so different and a lot worse. They don't think about how children all over the world, maybe in your own neighborhood a child is being abused. Be thankful for the life you have and don't take everything for advantage. Be thankful for the life and family you have because you are some of the luckiest kids. Be pleased that your family doesn't abuse to show “love”, they treat you well and try to take care of you, instead of beating you to

Child abuse is a worldwide issue. It has decreased over the years, but is still affecting a number of children. Unfortunately, the abuse can lead to a lifetime of low self-esteem, distrust, and hurt. In fact, one study showed 80% of 21-year-olds, who were abused as children, had at least one psychological disorder (ChildHelp). Abuse should not be overlooked as a minor issue because the effects are major. Sadly, lives are constantly being taken due to uncontrollable psychological disorders which began after they were abused as a child. Child abuse causes emotional scars to have professional or medical help in order to have them cope with the trauma before it is too late.

A general definition of physical abuse is a non-accidental injury of a child inflicted by a caregiver. Children who are abused can experience injuries ranging from bruises, fractures and broken bones, and in some cases, even death. There’s an estimated three million children are abused or neglected every day in the United States (Unger & Luca, 2014). Children are more likely to be physically abused if their parents are single, young parents, living in poverty, parents were also abused as children, families have alcohol or drug abuse problems, and there is domestic violence happening at home (Lazenbatt & Freeman, 2006). Many children who experience physical abuse experience emotional abuse and neglect as well.

Every year, child abuse and neglect affect more than one million children nation-wide (Currie and Tekin 1). Along with this, child abuse is the source of severe injury to more than 500,000 children and the death of over 1,500 children (Currie and Tekin 1). These outrageously large numbers reveal the extent to which child abuse and neglect impact society; however, they do not acknowledge the effect abuse can have on a child’s life and the repercussions that may occur in both the individual’s childhood and adulthood. While the effects most certainly include physical pain and possibly future disabilities, child abuse and neglect can also affects the child’s psychological welfare. Psychological effects are often more difficult to recognize,