Adults shouting at children can be as damaging as sexual or physical abuse: Study

Childhood verbal abuse encompasses behaviors detrimental to a child’s well-being, including belittling, shouting, and threatening language. These actions can have long-lasting consequences, leading to emotional and psychological repercussions, such as increased risks of anger, depression, substance abuse, self-harm, and obesity.

However, the study pointed out a noticeable gap in recognizing childhood verbal abuse by adults as a distinct maltreatment subtype. Acknowledging it as such could serve as a starting point for identification and prevention.

The review also highlighted the prevalence of childhood verbal abuse, with parents being the primary perpetrators (76.5%), followed by other adult caregivers in the home (2.4%), teachers (12.71%), coaches (0.6%), and police (0.6%). Shouting and screaming were the most documented characteristics of verbal abuse, emphasizing the importance of considering not only the words used but also intent, delivery, and immediate impact on children.

Reference: Childhood verbal abuse as a child maltreatment subtype: A systematic review of the current evidence, Child Abuse & Neglect

DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106394