Child Development Example Essay Example
Child Development Example Essay Example

Child Development Example Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 4 (902 words)
  • Published: June 21, 2017
  • Type: Essay
View Entire Sample
Text preview

Child abuse has been an ongoing worry in society for quite some time, and the numbers only continue to rise.

The National Statistics on Child Abuse revealed that in 2014, more than 700,000 children suffered from abuse annually in the United States resulting in 1,564 child deaths. The negative consequences of abuse are significant regardless of its type. High rates of child abuse continue to persist across the country with long-lasting impacts on those affected.

The main objective of this essay is to provide proof that child abuse is the most extreme type of mistreatment one can undergo throughout their lifetime. The consequences of abuse are severe, hindering children's psychological and social growth and causing long-term effects for those who have suffered from it. Moreover, there are significant societal repercussions that often go unnoticed but could be reduced through more effective programs aimed at helping victims. According

...

to Appleton ; Stanley (2009), a research carried out in California revealed that 42% of 38 teenagers removed from their biological parents had unresolved attachment issues and increased levels of attention problems.

According to Appleton and Stanley's research from 2009, neglect can lead to lower cognitive scores in areas like attention, cognitive efficiency, and working memory. This can result in various social and emotional issues for children including aggression, learning difficulties, language delays, hostility, low self-esteem, and an increased likelihood of juvenile delinquency. Additionally, Christoffersen and DePanfilis state that physical abuse may have long-term consequences such as an increase in violent crimes, conduct disorders, alcohol problems, and suicide rates.

Research has revealed that emotional abuse victims are highly likely to suffer from lasting negative effects, including but not limited to anxiety, depression,

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

low self-esteem, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, eating disorders and antisocial functioning (Christoffersen & DePanfilis). The impact of any form of abuse can cause significant shortcomings in social skills and learning abilities for those affected. Furthermore, the aftermath of abuse may lead to psychiatric conditions, vulnerability to substance abuse and difficulties in future relationships (Johnston, Emmanuel & Christine).

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, research indicates that male children who endure more than 6 stressful childhood experiences are over 4,000% more inclined to use drugs. Furthermore, abusive parents tend to raise abusive or violent offspring. Similarly, females who suffered physical abuse during childhood have a 10% higher likelihood of being an interpersonal perpetrator. On the other hand, males who underwent sexual abuse during childhood possess a 17% higher chance of committing interpersonal violence. Additionally, the number of health concerns is alarming as children who experienced abuse have higher chances of encountering depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, addiction, eating disorders, suicidal behavior or sexual disorders. (Child Abuse Has Many Potential Negative Impacts).

Research has revealed that child abuse has significant consequences on adults. In fact, 76% of adults who reported being abused as children have suffered from at least one psychiatric disorder, while 50% have experienced three or more (Child Abuse Has Many Potential Negative Impacts). These findings demonstrate the pervasive and lasting effects of abuse on individuals from childhood into adulthood. Additionally, child abuse carries repercussions beyond just the individual and their family; it also incurs direct and indirect costs for society. The CDC reports that these costs surpass those of leading health concerns such as stroke and Type II diabetes (Child Welfare Information Gateway), amounting

to an estimated $124 billion due to lifetime expenses and associated fatalities (Child Welfare Information Gateway).

The long-term economic consequences, which include health care, juvenile and adult criminal activity, mental illness, substance abuse and domestic abuse have been estimated to cost taxpayers approximately $104 billion by Prevent Child Abuse America (Child Welfare Information Gateway). Additionally, research has shown that childhood experiences play a significant role in employment problems, financial problems, and absenteeism (Child Welfare Information Gateway). Moreover, child sexual abuse has been identified as a key factor contributing to youth homelessness, with between 50-70% of young people in Supported Accommodation Assistance Programs having experienced childhood sexual assault (Child Abuse Has Many Potential Negative Impacts).

The rising expense of shelter and assisted living programs due to recurrent offenders necessitating these services is a financial strain on taxpayers. Sadly, these individuals are not receiving sufficient assistance and continue to re-enter the system, causing further expenses for society. Furthermore, child abuse has far-reaching consequences that affect even those who have not personally experienced it. To summarize, all types of abuse negatively impact development, with child abuse specifically affecting victims' behavior, social skills, and overall growth.

Challenges in development can hinder different areas of life, including relationships, education, and daily tasks. This may result in difficulty keeping up with peers. Additionally, abuse can have lasting effects on individuals, potentially causing ongoing complications from childhood to adulthood and increasing vulnerability to mental illness that affects their independence. Furthermore, victims of abuse are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts due to the persistent consequences.

Although child abuse is a widespread issue, it can result in various severe consequences. One of these is an elevated chance

of engaging in illegal substance abuse, which carries the danger of overdose. Another consequence that society often overlooks is the financial burden linked to maltreatment, resulting in considerable costs for immediate and prolonged therapy programs. Yet, by implementing more comprehensive and efficient initiatives, expenses could decrease while promoting improved well-being, satisfaction, and success for victims from all backgrounds.

Although programs and communities are making an effort to help parents, the problem remains an increasing social concern without a distinct resolution in view.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New