Child abuse and the effects that it has on their physical and Research Proposal

Child abuse and the effects that it has on their physical and psychological development - Research Proposal Example abuse is associated with numerous physical health conditions such as infectious diseases, pain, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, inflammation and generally, poor health of children. Springer, Sheridan, Kuo & Carnes (2003) add to the long-term consequences of child abuse possible post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), chronic pain syndromes, chronic fatigue syndrome, eating disorders and irritable bowels. Aside from physical health consequences of child abuse, there are reported psychological effects as well. Anda et al (2005) discussed that the traumatic experiences of abused or neglected children often stays on with the victim into adulthood, and can even influence the raising of that victim’s own children. More often than not, abused children repeat the pattern with their own children. Some children may never fully recover from the trauma, resulting in lifelong depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Other individuals may be predisposed to engage in prostitution, pornography, drug abuse, or crime (Browne & Finkelhor, 1986; Bryant & Range, 1996; Ferrara, 2002; Malinoskey-Rummell & Hansen, 1993). The long-term consequences of child maltreatment can be so devastating that it has been called "soul murder" (Shengold, 1989). These alarming facts culled from both literature and anecdotal experiences of individuals who survived child abuse merit serious consideration and investigation of the devastating effects of painful experiences in childhood in a victim’s life. In doing so, interventions to help child abuse victims overcome their negative childhood experiences may be put in place in order to prevent the serious negative outcomes that can permanently mar their personality and outlook in life. It is hoped that the provision of such interventions to such victims will help them still develop a more positive outlook and give them hope that they can still be productive, contributing citizens in society despite their painful past. It will also help