Research Shows the Impact of Verbal Abuse on Mental Health

• Verbal abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse.
• The prevalence of verbal abuse has increased over the last decade.
• Research indicates the necessity of raising awareness about verbal abuse.

Research conducted among over 20,000 adults in England and Wales found that verbal abuse during childhood can be just as detrimental to mental health in adulthood as physical abuse. Participants who experienced verbal abuse in childhood reported emotional problems more frequently, such as anxiety and depression.

The research indicates that adults who reported physical abuse in childhood had a 52% higher risk of poor mental health, whereas those who only reported verbal abuse had a risk factor of nearly 64%. If a child experienced multiple forms of abuse, the risk increased to 115%.

The research also indicates that the prevalence of verbal abuse has increased over the last decade, while physical abuse has decreased. Specifically, for children born after 2000, the level of physical abuse decreased to 10%, while verbal abuse increased to 20%.

Researchers believe that the increase in verbal abuse may diminish the benefits for mental health, which could lead to a reduction in physical abuse. Professor Bellis emphasized the importance of paying attention to verbal abuse, as it can cause lasting psychological harm to children.

Based on data from seven different studies, the authors of the work conclude that the necessity for raising awareness about verbal abuse and its consequences may be deeper than previously thought.

Tags: Well-being/Research