Developmental Consequences of Child Emotional Abuse: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective

• NCJ Number: 221686
• Journal: Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 9-34
• Author(s): Tuppett M. Yates
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 26 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Special journal on Childhood Emotional Abuse: Mediating and Moderating Processes Affecting Long-Term Impact. For related articles see NCJ-221687-690.

Annotation

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence of the impact of child emotional abuse (CEA) on child development and adaptation with particular emphasis on putative neurophysiological processes that may provide a better understanding of CEA.

Abstract

Child emotional abuse (CEA) disrupts development across multiple domains, including social, emotional, self, cognitive, and biological processes. Evidence indicates that CEA has the capacity to initiate persistent alterations in neurophysiological stress response systems that lead to increased vulnerability for stress, anxiety, depression, and other problems of adaptation. In order to better understand these processes and identify meaningful ways to intervene, research and practice must draw on multiple levels of analysis across theoretical, empirical, and applied domains. This paper provides an empirical and theoretical foundation to support increased attention to neurodevelopmental processes in understanding sequelae of CEA. It is argued that the integrative paradigm of developmental psychopathology provides a conceptual framework to orient future investigations and interventions. Figures, references