Adults that suffer childhood maltreatment are more predisposed to experiencing low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, attention bias, impaired cognitive and social skills, less satisfaction in life, and extreme negative self-concepts of themselves. Their negative …show more content…
Abuse is defined as causing intentional physical harm, subjecting an individual to behavior that may cause psychological trauma, undesired sexual behavior perpetrated on a child, or verbal and emotional abuse that also results in psychological trauma and/or mental disorders. The abuse can be experienced in a variety of circumstances at the hands of strangers, friends and family members. While physical pain is more damaging, social or emotional pain may be more dangerous. A study by Chen, Williams, Fitness, and Newton (2008) discovered that emotional pain or embarrassment can be relived, whereas physical pain cannot be easily recreated. The perpetrator underhandedly disguises the abuse as advice or can be overly critical of the child. Children lack the experience to be able to identify these behaviors as abnormal. Therefore, are not equipped with the understanding or coping skills to handle such situations. The resilience and sensitivity of the child is also a varying factor as to how the child will fare into …show more content…
Childhood maltreatment symptoms are low self-esteem, negative self-concept, less satisfaction in life, attention bias, and suicide. The symptoms, individually may not raise any red flags. As a group coupled with the history of abuse paint a much clearer picture of the obstacles the individual is facing due to CM. The repercussions can affect the individuals’ self-concept and bring about depression. The findings in a study by Arslan (2015) indicate that resilience might play a protective role when it pertains to depression and negative self-concept once an individual experiences childhood maltreatment. The effects of psychological maltreatment during childhood follow individuals into adulthood.
Childhood maltreatment can also produce low self-esteem, less satisfaction in life, and negative self-concept into adulthood. A study by Simon et al. (2009) examined the link between childhood maltreatment and the poorer quality of life the individuals experienced into adulthood. The study concentrated on emotional abuse and neglect. The results confirmed that persons who suffered childhood maltreatment and were seeking treatment for generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD) did in fact have a greater disorder severity. (Simon et al.,