Childhood verbal abuse can be as bad for mental health as physical abuse – study

• Research indicates that childhood verbal abuse can be as detrimental to adult mental health as physical abuse.
• A BMJ Open study of over 20,000 adults in England and Wales found that those exposed to verbal abuse in childhood often experienced feelings of disconnection, pessimism, and emotional unwellness later in life.
• Adults who suffered solely verbal abuse as children had a 64 per cent higher chance of low mental wellbeing, compared to 52 per cent for those physically abused.
• The study highlighted that while physical abuse prevalence has halved, prevalence of verbal abuse has risen significantly.
• Experts emphasise the need to address verbal abuse, noting that one in three children are subjected to it.

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Mental health impact of childhood verbal abuse explained in new study