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

A recent systematic review conducted by researchers at UCL and Wingate University has underscored the need to classify childhood verbal abuse by adults as a distinct subtype of child maltreatment. Currently, child maltreatment is categorized into four subtypes: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.

The study examined 149 quantitative and 17 qualitative studies to evaluate how child verbal abuse is currently defined and measured. The findings revealed a need for a more consistent definition of childhood verbal abuse. Currently, definitions vary between parents and other authorities, and in some cultures, it is normalized as a form of discipline.

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