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Developmental Consequences of Child Emotional Abuse: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective

NCJ Number
221686
Journal
Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 9-34
Author(s)
Tuppett M. Yates
Date Published
2007
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this paper is to present evidence of the impact of child emotional abuse (CEA) on child development and adaptation with particular emphasis on putative neurophysiological processes that may provide a better understanding of CEA.
Abstract
Child emotional abuse (CEA) disrupts development across multiple domains, including social, emotional, self, cognitive, and biological processes. Evidence indicates that CEA has the capacity to initiate persistent alterations in neurophysiological stress response systems that lead to increased vulnerability for stress, anxiety, depression, and other problems of adaptation. In order to better understand these processes and identify meaningful ways to intervene, research and practice must draw on multiple levels of analysis across theoretical, empirical, and applied domains. This paper provides an empirical and theoretical foundation to support increased attention to neurodevelopmental processes in understanding sequelae of CEA. It is argued that the integrative paradigm of developmental psychopathology provides a conceptual framework to orient future investigations and interventions. Figures, references