Childhood Psychological Abuse as Harmful as Sexual or Physical Abuse

This new study speaks to the severe impact of psychological abuse on children. This study finds that psychological abuse could have more severe  impact on children that sexual or physical abuse alone.

I have seen many  examples of external ailments being seen as more "valid" by popular culture than things that cannot be directly seen on the outside. For example, if a student was struggling with depression and as a result had low energy levels, seemed to not care about things as much as they used to, and had a hard time with sustained concentration and attention they may be judged by teachers or parents as not applying themselves or being lazy. However, if the same student had a broken arm and couldn't write or engage in activities as they once did it would be more acceptable allowing time for them to heal. f we allow ourselves to take into account what happens inside we can create space for healing so it will change. If we criticize as in the case of the depressed student it is likely to leave the person feeling more intense feelings.

As related to this study, typically, sexual or physical abuse are seen, in popular culture, as likely to have more of an impact on children's functioning than psychological abuse however this does not seem to be the case.

http://apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/10/psychological-abuse.aspx

Reposted By:
Dr. Charles R. Davenport
Licensed Psychologist
Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D. LLC.
Phone: 941-321-1971
www.drcharlesdavenport.com

Venice Office
1525 Tamiami Trail S.
Ste. 603 A
Venice, FL 34285

Sarasota Office
950 South Tamiami Trail
Ste 202
Sarasota, FL 34236