The Damaging Effects of Adult Verbal Abuse on Children Revealed in Study

A new study published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect suggests that adults shouting at, denigrating, or verbally threatening children can be as harmful to their development as sexual or physical abuse. The study calls for childhood verbal abuse to be recognized as its own category of maltreatment to facilitate prevention. Verbal abuse was categorized as more "overt" and deserving of special attention. The study highlights the lasting negative consequences of childhood verbal abuse, including mental distress, externalizing symptoms, and physical health outcomes. The prevalence of childhood emotional abuse has increased while physical and sexual abuse have declined, indicating a potential shift in childhood abuse. The study emphasizes the need for consistency in defining childhood verbal abuse and encourages adults to avoid shouting and insults when communicating with children.