Words can wound as deeply as violence Children who grow up being insulted, shamed, or constantly criticized are more likely to face emotional instability, social withdrawal, and poor mental health as adults.
A new UK study shows these individuals face a 64% higher risk of low mental well-being later in life.
Comparison with physical abuse Adults who experienced physical abuse in childhood have a 52% increased risk of poor mental health. Those exposed to both verbal and physical abuse face a 115% higher risk.
Verbal abuse still not taken seriously The study, led by Liverpool John Moores University and published in BMJ Open, highlights how verbal abuse is often dismissed, even though its long-term effects can be as harmful as physical violence.
“We’ve made progress in reducing physical violence, but verbal abuse remains overlooked,” said lead researcher Prof. Mark Bellis.
A worrying rise in verbal abuse While physical abuse has declined — from 20% among those born 1950–1979 to 10% among those born after 2000 — verbal abuse is on the rise.
Among those born before 1950, 12% experienced verbal abuse. That number has increased to 20% in generations born after 2000.
One in three children affected Researchers estimate that one in six children suffers physical abuse, mostly from family members or caregivers. One in three is exposed to verbal abuse, which often leaves invisible yet lasting trauma.
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