Psychological Effects of an Abused Child

When a child is physically, mentally, emotionally, verbally or sexually abused, the child often suffers from low self-esteem as well as a host of other critical issues. The long-term affect of abuse on a child may depend on the specific type of mistreatment, but abuse almost always has a harmful impact on the child's physical and mental development.

Symptoms

• Anger, fear, sleep issues and an inability to concentrate at school are symptoms of an abused child. The child may distrust people in general because his trust has been betrayed by the person abusing him. Often, an abuser is a loved one or caretaker. Shame, embarrassment, an inability to achieve close relationships and guilt are also effects of childhood abuse. An abused child may find it difficult to express her emotions because she lives in fear that what she says will result in more abuse. These problems can also contribute to anxiety, depression and anger.

Sexual Abuse

• A sexually abused child may become sexually active early on, which puts the child at risk for pregnancy, STDs and HIV. When a person has a history of sexual abuse he often does not have good impulse control, and this prompts him to engage in sexually risky behaviors. Sleep problems, nightmares or flashbacks where the sexual trauma is relived are further effects. A child that has been sexually abused may have difficulty forming healthy adult relationships and may be incapable of having a normal sex life. A sexually abused child may repeat the cycle and become an abuser as an adult.

A Burden

• An abused child may be told by her abuser that his loved ones will be angry or even killed if she reports the abuser. This is a heavy burden for a child. Rather than getting help, the child keeps the secret and continues to be subjected to the abuse and mistreatment because she is terrified that speaking up will put her loved ones in danger. Living under this kind of fear and threat is to the detriment of the child's mental well-being.

Neglect

• Neglect is a form of abuse that has harmful psychological effects on a child. If the abuse and neglect starts early on, the child can experience delayed cognitive development and psychological issues. These problems can lead to behavioral and social problems later on. Neglect can result in poor performance in school and even criminal behavior.

Repeating the Cycle

• Abused children are more likely to become child abusers as adults than children who have not been abused. However, many children who have survived abuse grow up to be very protective parents and don't engage in abuse. To enhance an abused child's chances of breaking the cycle of abuse, the abused child should be provided counseling.