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Review Papers | Psychology | India | Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025 | Rating: 5.1 / 10
Childhood Trauma and Its Consequences: A Review of Maltreatment Effects
Aman Jha, Sheetal Rajan
Abstract: Child maltreatment (CM), which includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and neglect, is a global problem characterized by acts or omissions by a caregiver that result in harm or an imminent risk of harm to a child. It is a significant public health concern with complex terminological and definitional challenges. This review synthesizes the current evidence on scope, definitions, risk factors, and outcomes of CM, which determines a sense of urgency in early detection, prevention, and intervention. The review also focused on the various categories of CM, including physiological abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect, and neglection is the most frequently identified form of maltreatment. Effective prevention strategies, such as home visiting, parent education, and child maltreatment prevention, reduce risk factors for CM. CM causes stress associated with disruptions in early maturity level of development, and as adults, maltreated children are at increased risk for behavioural, physical, and mental health problems. Future research should involve the development of assessment instruments, implementation of prevention programs, knowledge of the neurobiological impact of abuse and neglect, and addressing the effect of trauma in children and families. This review makes a point to call for thorough research that could be used as a basis to establish effective prevention and intervention plans for this important public health concern.
Keywords: Child Maltreatment, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Effect of Trauma, Prevention Strategies
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025,
Pages: 1672 - 1677