Long-Term Effects of Domestic Psychological Abuse

Domestic psychological or emotional abuse may happen behind closed doors where no one else is around to see. Emotional abuse is sometimes hard to recognize. Friends and loved ones of an emotionally abused victim may not be aware of the situation unless the victim talks about it. However, there may be some differences in the victim's behavior. Domestic psychological abuse can have long-term consequences especially when the victim does not seek counseling.

Depression and Anxiety

• A Florida State University study notes that individuals who were emotionally abused as children may grow up to be more prone to depression and anxiety than adults who were not emotionally abused as children. Professor Natalie Sachs-Ericsson pointed out in the study that adults who suffered emotional abuse as children were twice as likely to suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety in their lifetimes.

Self-Criticism

• Children or adults who have been emotionally abused are often more critical of themselves. Over time, being emotionally abused can lead an individual, especially an impressionable child, to believe negative things about herself. For example, someone who performs poorly in a work or school setting may correlate it to the emotional abuse she endured. She might then believe that she performed poorly because she was not good enough.

Failure to Thrive

• Psychological abuse can take many forms. Although verbal abuse is one form of psychological abuse within the home, neglecting a child or failing to give him emotional nurturing and support is another form of psychological abuse. A child's long-term development may suffer as a result. Relationships may be difficult for a child who never received this form of nurturing and performing well academically can be more challenging.

Insecurity

• Confidence is something that must be cultivated within the home. If a child is constantly being berated or criticized, this can result in severe insecurity. Adults who are psychologically abused by their partners can also suffer from insecurity. This insecurity can lead to other consequences such as failing to form healthy relationships or choosing relationships that are troubled and involve more emotional abuse.