Verbal Abuse May Harm Kids More Than Physical Abuse

Study Reveals stark link between childhood insults and adult mental health struggles

Children subjected to ridicule, threats, or humiliation are significantly more likely to face mental health issues later in life, new research indicates.

Verbal Attacks Carry Higher Risk

A comprehensive analysis of over 20,000 adults indicates that verbal abuse in childhood elevates the risk of poor adult mental health by 64%. This surpasses the 52% increased likelihood associated with childhood physical abuse.

“Our study reveals that degrading, humiliating and abusive language directed at children can have long-term mental health impacts at least as severe as those associated with physical abuse.”

—Mark Bellis, Lead Author, Liverpool John Moores University

Shifting Trends in Abuse

The study, published in BMJ Open, also highlighted a concerning trend: while physical abuse appears to be decreasing, verbal abuse is on the rise. This shift could potentially negate progress made in protecting children’s mental well-being.

“Equally concerning is the trend observed over the study period where physical abuse declined but verbal abuse increased … potentially offsetting the mental health gains we might expect from reduced exposure to physical harm,” stated **Professor Mark Bellis**.

Combined Trauma Worsens Outlook

Experiencing both physical and verbal abuse during childhood presents an even greater risk. Individuals who faced no abuse had a 16% prevalence of low mental well-being, rising to 22.5% for physical abuse, 24% for verbal abuse, and a significant 29% for those enduring both forms of maltreatment.

The prevalence of physical abuse has dropped from approximately 20% for those born between 1950 and 1979 to 10% for individuals born in 2000 or later. Conversely, verbal abuse has seen an increase, from 12% among those born before 1950 to about 20% in the more recent cohort.

Words Can Wound Deeply

These findings align with previous research linking childhood verbal abuse to increased risks of self-harm, drug use, and incarceration. According to data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, between April 2022 and March 2023, over 680,000 children aged 0-17 experienced maltreatment in England (ONS, 2023).

Jessica Bondy, founder of the charity Words Matter, emphasized the profound impact of verbal abuse. She stated, “Any gains made in reducing physical abuse risk being undone by rising rates of verbal abuse. We must act now to confront the lasting harm caused by cruel, critical or controlling language.”

While the study acknowledged limitations in measuring abuse severity and the reasons behind the changing prevalence, **Professor Bellis** stressed the need for proactive support. “We must go beyond telling parents what not to do, and instead offer clear, practical support and guidance that allows them to raise their children through healthy, nurturing relationships,” he urged.