Early Abuse and Neglect

Child Abuse

The journal Child Development published a study conducted by Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota; Department of Psychology, York University; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota. The study showed how a child that experienced abuse and neglect at an early age can see the effects of that abuse three decades later.

Researchers hope to find out if these effect can been seen in adulthood and do these effects remain stable or weaken. The study mainly focus on this abuse and neglect before and during the age of five but, also compared ages 6 -17. Other studies collected data from the perspective of the patient in adulthood, this study collected and recorded the data in real time. Patients completed standardize test and discuss personal romantic relationships.

"Findings showed those who experienced abuse or neglect early in life consistently were less successful in their social relationships and academic performance during childhood, adolescence and even during adulthood." Researchers also found that the effect of abuse didn't weaken over time. Abuse experienced later in childhood didn't consistently show effect however, researchers did see some effect on social behaviors but, no effects on academic performance.

K. Lee Raby et al, The Legacy of Early Abuse and Neglect for Social and Academic Competence From Childhood to Adulthood, Child Development (2018).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13033

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-01-tracking-impact-early-abuse-neglect.html