Physical and Psychological Abuse in Children, Partners, Elderly, and Peers

Physical and Psychological Abuse in Children, Partners, Elderly, and Peers

Rojean Sibug

PSYC 2314

Mountain View College

Dr. Lyons

April 30, 2015

Abstract:  Abuse represents a major threat to an individual’s health and well-being.  It can extend from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse.  Exposure to any acts of abuse is a stressful event and can have a negative impact on the person’s health.  They are at increased risk for psychological problems.  There are different ways that abuse can occur as it can account for child, partner, the elderly, and peers and so on.  

Physical and Psychological Abuse in Children, Partners, Elderly, and Peers

        Abuse refers to physical, psychological or emotional mistreatment to an individual performed by a relative, caregiver, family member, partner, or anyone in a social relationship with the victim.  There are different types of abuse, but mainly focused on physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.  The frequent forms of abuse comprise child abuse, intimate partner abuse, elder abuse, and peer abuse (Wang, 2008, pp. 443-448).  “Abuse is generally defined as a pattern of physical and non-physical abuse (including psychological tactics) perpetrated by a partner to gain control” (Doherty, 2008).  Physical abuse is the second most common type of abuse after physical neglect, though psychological abuse is often connected to physical abuse (OJJDP, 2012).  There has been an inclination to think that the effects of physical abuse is considered “more harmful” than psychological abuse due to the fact that psychological abuse, unlike physical abuse, leaves no visible scars or bruises, making it harder to detect (Doherty, 2008).

        Children who are physically abused can develop psychological distress. They also have the possibility for depression and anxiety. Child abuse has been associated to poor physical, emotional, and mental development (OJJDP, 2012).  Physical abuse can be very psychologically damaging and many children eventually suffer from life-long problems.  A common problem found in children who have been physically abused is disruptive disorders (McPherson, 2002).  Young adolescents who had been psychologically maltreated experienced depression, low self-esteem, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and suicidality at the same rate and, in some cases, at a greater rate than minorities who were physically or sexually abused (APA, 2014).  In addition to emotionally abused children, they also displayed more psychological difficulties.  It was found that subjects who were emotionally abused as children showed higher rates of anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity and dissociation (McPherson, 2002).  Emotional abuse often goes unnoticed because it does not leave any marks.  The damage is done on the inside, but the damage that is done is inimical to the person and will alter them for the rest of their lives (McPherson, 2002).

        “Intimate partner abuse is an interpersonal violence that occurs between current and former marital partners, cohabiting partners, separated marital partners, or same-sex partners” (Wang, 2008, pp. 443-448).  There are certain terms used to characterize violence or abuse between intimate partners. These include marital abuse, spouse abuse, and domestic violence.  Intimate partner violence takes place not only on heterosexuals, but also on same-sex partners as well as across different racial and ethnic groups (Wang, 2008, pp. 443-448). Assaults against intimate partners consists of physical violence, sexual violence, threats of violence, stalking, and psychological abuse (Wang 2008, pp. 443-448).  Victims of partner abuse generally undergo strong psychological distress such as helplessness, fear, anger, and anxiety.  Some individuals may happen to experience nightmares, intrusive thoughts, intense anxiety, and fears associated with violence (Wang, 2008, pp. 443-448). These are common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.  “In addition, younger partners (age 16 to 24) appear to be the most violent” (Wang, 2008, pp. 443-448).  Children who are in contact with parental violence may assimilate to utilize aggressive acts as a means of conflict resolution with intimate partners (Wang, 2008, pp. 443-448).