The Impact of Abuse on Depression and Problematic Behavior

Children who frequently hear shouting or threats from their parents are at a high risk of experiencing depression and developing problematic behaviors, one of which is rule-breaking. According to Annete Mahoney, a professor of psychology in Ohio, parents should pay close attention to issues of verbal behavior. She states that while it's easy to dismiss, her research indicates that verbal hostility has serious consequences for children. This serves as a warning, especially for parents who frequently shout or hit. Researchers suggest that parents can become trapped in a cycle of abuse. According to Mahoney, verbal abuse has a "natural cycle," particularly when dealing with children who have behavioral problems or mental illnesses that are difficult to manage. Michelle Leroy states that parental verbal "attacks" on children are as damaging as severe physical abuse, especially in families with mental health issues. The findings of this study, published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect, involved troubled adolescents aged 11-18. They were asked to answer questions such as whether they had been hit or experienced other forms of abuse within the past year. Their parents were also involved in the study and were asked to report their behavior within the same timeframe. Source: Facebook