19 There are three types of abuse used in this study. First is physical abuse,
the second is emotional abuse and the last is neglect.
c. Impact of Abuse
Wilson points out some examples about the impact of abuse that is
experienced by abused children. He states:
Anxiety symptoms in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder are also commonly found in children who have been severely abused. Such
symptoms may include memories that intrude into the childs mind, even though they are stressful and unwanted. In addition, a numbing or
deadening of sensations often occurs, because allowing sensations to come into consciousness may make the child anxious or depressed p. 553.
According to Child Welfare Information Gateway 2013, the impact of child
abuse is discussed in terms of physical health, psychological and behavioral consequences. These are the impacts of each term:
1 Physical Health Consequences
Child abuse can have a multitude of long-term effects on physical health. One of the effects is abusive head trauma. Abusive head trauma is an inflicted
injury to the head and its contents caused by shaking and blunt impact.
2 Psychological Consequences
The immediate emotional effects of abuse are isolation, fear and an inability to trust. It can translate into lifelong psychological consequences
including low self-esteem, depression and relationship difficulties. Abuse is also affect the victims cognitive and social. Children with substantiated reports of
maltreatment were at risk for severe developmental and cognitive problem. In social difficulties, children who experience abuse and neglect are more likely to
develop antisocial traits as they grow up.
20
3 Behavioral Consequences
There are only some victims of child abuse and neglect who will experience behavioral consequences. They will find difficulties during
adolescence like
risk of grade repetition, substance abuse, delinquency, truancy, or pregnancy.
Children who have experienced abuse or neglect will smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol, or take illicit drugs during their lifetime. They will also tend to
have abusive behavior. In this study, the researcher discusses the impact of physical abuse in term
of physical and psychological consequences.
4. Theory of Personality Development
