The Developmental Impact of Child Abuse on Adulthood: Implications for Counselors

✍ Scribed by April Sikes; Danica G. Hays

• Publisher: American Counseling Association
• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 114 KB
• Volume: 9
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1524-6817
• DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-0029.2010.tb00069.x

✦ Synopsis

Many adults are exposed to maltreatment during their childhood. As a result, they may experience long-term negative outcomes in a range of developmental areas. The purpose of this article was to examine the social, physical, and mental health consequences of child abuse in adulthood. Implications for counseling practice are provided.

For Federal Fiscal Year 2006, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System of the Children's Bureau estimated that 905,000 children in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the 50 states were victims of neglect and abuse (U.S. Department of Health of Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, 2008). Individuals who are exposed to abuse during childhood are at increased risk for experiencing difficulties in adulthood. Childhood maltreatment has been linked to a variety of negative consequences in adulthood, including substance use and de-