Understanding the behavioral and emotional consequences of child abuse

Children who have suffered early abuse or neglect may later present with significant behavior problems including emotional instability, depression, and a tendency to be aggressive or violent with others. Troublesome behaviors may persist long after the abusive or neglectful environment has changed o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPediatrics (Evanston) Vol. 122; no. 3; p. 667
Main Authors Stirling, Jr, John, Amaya-Jackson, Lisa
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.2008
Subjects
Child
Child Abuse - psychology
Child Behavior - psychology
Child Behavior Disorders - psychology
Child Behavior Disorders - rehabilitation
Humans
Stress, Psychological
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Summary:Children who have suffered early abuse or neglect may later present with significant behavior problems including emotional instability, depression, and a tendency to be aggressive or violent with others. Troublesome behaviors may persist long after the abusive or neglectful environment has changed or the child has been in foster care placement. Neurobiological research has shown that early abuse results in an altered physiological response to stressful stimuli, a response that deleteriously affects the child's subsequent socialization. Pediatricians can assist caregivers by helping them recognize the abused or neglected child's altered responses, formulate more effective coping strategies, and mobilize available community resources.
ISSN:1098-4275
DOI:10.1542/peds.2008-1885