emotional/verbal abuse just as damaging as physical abuse

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A new Canadian study finds that emotional abuse may be as harmful as physical abuse and neglect.

Researchers from McGill University say their findings complement previous imaging research showing that emotional and physical pain both activate the same parts of the brain.

Emotional abuse includes behaviors such as ridicule, intimidation, rejection, and humiliation. This form of abuse is much more common than physical abuse and neglect. Worldwide prevalence estimates suggest that approximately one-third of children experience emotional abuse.

The impact of emotional abuse may come as a surprise.

“Although people assume physical abuse is more harmful than other types of abuse, we found that they are associated with similar consequences ,” said Dr. David Vachon, a McGill professor in the Department of Psychology and the study’s first author.

“These consequences are wide-ranging and include everything from anxiety and depression to rule-breaking and aggression.”

Investigator believe the new findings may pave the way for more effective means of addressing how different forms of child abuse should be recognized and treated.

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