Childhood Abuse And Its Impact On Mental Health In Adulthood
Keywords:
childhood abuse, trauma, mental health, adult psychopathology, developmental psychology, post-traumatic stress, resilienceAbstract
Childhood abuse represents one of the most significant public health challenges affecting long-term psychological wellbeing and mental health trajectories throughout the lifespan. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted relationship between various forms of childhood maltreatment and subsequent mental health outcomes in adulthood, synthesizing current research findings and theoretical frameworks. Through systematic analysis of empirical literature spanning two decades, this study explores the prevalence, mechanisms, and lasting consequences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse during critical developmental periods. The investigation reveals substantial evidence supporting the association between childhood traumatic experiences and elevated risks for depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and personality disorders in adult populations. Neurobiological research demonstrates that early trauma fundamentally alters brain development, particularly in regions governing emotional regulation, stress response, and interpersonal functioning.
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