Pain that Persists: The Lifespan Effects of Childhood Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence and the Struggle to Prevent and Address them
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3694Keywords:
neuroscience, adverse childhood experiences, childhood adversity, developmental psychology, chronic painAbstract
This paper reviews empirical studies and literature reviews to analyze current knowledge of the relationships between childhood abuse, intimate partner violence (IPV), and physical and mental health as an adult. The general trend that a greater exposure to abuse leads to more severe adulthood mental and physical health degradation is established across many studies to date. Survivors of IPV and childhood abuse are much more likely to experience physical disease, mental disorders, and substance abuse in adulthood. Furthermore, victims of childhood abuse are likely to become victims or perpetrators of IPV in adulthood. Additionally, the paper thoroughly discusses prevention for childhood abuse (school-based and home-based programs), treatment for childhood abuse (victim-based and perpetrator-based), and treatment for IPV outcomes. Research on abuse is weakened by non-diverse samples, limited longitudinal work, and simply the hidden and stigmatized nature of abuse. Recommended directions for future empirical study are suggested, such as broader demographic representation, clearer and stronger methodologies, analyzing pathways and longitudinal studies.
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