The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Neglect on Mental Health

All forms of childhood abuse have long-term negative impacts. Childhood neglect, the most common type of childhood abuse in the United States, occurs when one or more of the child’s parents (or caregivers) overlook the child’s essential emotional and physical needs. Some 6% of children experienced some form of childhood neglect in the past year, while more than 15% experienced it at some point during their lives. It may take the shape of unintentional oversight, during which the parent simply isn’t aware that the child’s needs are not being met, or it may be more deliberate. Childhood neglect can exist in homes where other necessities, such as food and shelter, have been provided. 

Whatever the circumstances, childhood neglect can have a lasting impact on the child’s experience of life, affecting everything from their physical health to their ability to form close personal relationships. 

We take a close look at the effects of childhood neglect and outline the mental health treatment solutions available here in San Diego and beyond.

What Is Childhood Neglect?

Childhood neglect takes many forms. At its core, it involves a caregiver intentionally or unintentionally withholding a child’s basic needs. Though not always done maliciously, childhood neglect can have a lasting impact that makes it more difficult for the child to thrive once they enter adulthood. 

The primary types of childhood maltreatment include:

Physical neglect

Physical neglect refers to any type of neglect that results in a child’s diminished physical condition. For instance, it may involve being underfed, having poor hygiene, or having untreated medical conditions. It can also refer to the child’s general living conditions. For example, if the house a child is living in is dirty, cold, or generally unlivable, it is considered neglectful. 

Emotional neglect

Emotional neglect occurs when a parent fails to provide adequate emotional care and support to the child. This type of neglect can look different based on the age of the child but is a result of a lack of attention, validation, or support. For younger children, this may look like not being comforted when crying. In slightly older children, emotional neglect may occur if they feel that they are being ignored or receive little to no attention from the parent. This type of neglect makes it difficult for the child to form healthy relationships throughout their lives.

Educational neglect

Educational neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to create an environment that facilitates educational progress. For instance, the child may continually be absent from school or may not be given the tools and support they need to perform well. This can result in generally poor academic performance, which makes it more difficult to find gainful employment later in life. 

Physical Health Consequences

Childhood neglect, in any form, can negatively impact a child’s growth and development. Research suggests neglect can impair physical growth, cognitive delays, and executive function.

Research has also found a demonstrable link between neglect and the risk of developing long-term chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, bowel disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Another study found that facing adversity in childhood may weaken the immune response, resulting in premature death.

Long-Term Mental Health Effects

The mental health impact of childhood neglect has been well-documented. Children who are neglected in their early years can have underdeveloped stress-response systems, which puts them at greater risk for developing a host of mental health conditions in adult life, including anxiety and depression.

Adults who were neglected as a child are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, resulting in a sense that they’re “not good enough.” Multiple studies suggest that childhood neglect can result in emotional difficulties that include poor impulse control and negativity, resulting in problematic coping mechanisms that make adult life more challenging to manage.

Impact on Social Interactions

A child’s first relationships–which are usually with the parents–have a significant impact on all future relationships. Many children who are neglected in their youth find it difficult to develop and maintain healthy relationships in adulthood. For instance, a child who experienced emotional neglect may develop an anxious-avoidant attachment style, which makes it difficult for them to form long-term relationships due to jealousy or fear that their partner will leave them.

More broadly, the mental health impacts of childhood neglect, which include anxiety and depression, can force individuals to become more withdrawn and isolated, excluding them from the sense of community that we all need.

Behavioral Ramifications

Childhood neglect can manifest itself in adulthood life in the shape of reckless and damaging behavior. One study found that abused children were more than four times more likely to develop a substance abuse problem than non-abused children. Maltreated children were also twice as likely to engage in criminal behavior. 

Neglected children have an increased risk of self-harming and having suicidal tendencies. And while many neglected children go on to become great parents, others may also struggle and unintentionally perpetuate the cycle of neglect.

Pathways to Healing

Living with trauma can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that there are treatment options available that can provide a pathway toward healing. By engaging with one-to-one therapy, group therapy, and specialist trauma-focused techniques, individuals can work through their trauma in a safe environment.

Once the initial work has been done, individuals can continue their healing and growth by engaging with their communities, practicing meditation, and prioritizing self-care activities such as eating well, exercising, and engaging with their hobbies. 

Contact Jackson House

Childhood neglect can wreak havoc on a child’s prosperity in later life, impacting both their physical and emotional well-being. If you need help overcoming mental conditions caused by childhood neglect, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jackson House for support.