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Child abuse may be connected to changes in development, body regulation

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that child abuse is associated with disrupted development and decreased ability to maintain stable bodily functions. The research suggests that different types of maltreatment affect children differently, with boys being more susceptible to negative effects than girls.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

Early institutional care lowers life expectancy

A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 30, 2026

Early life stress linked to long-lasting digestive issues

A new study suggests that early life stress during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to long-term digestive issues, including gut pain and motility challenges. The research found that early life stress can shape the development of gut-brain communication, contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms in both mice and humans.

SourceNew York University·JournalGastroenterology·DateMar 16, 2026

The dehumanization effect: New PSU research examines how abusive supervision impacts employee agency and burnout

A new study by PSU researchers finds that abusive supervision can fundamentally alter how employees perceive their humanity, leading to severe burnout and decreased collaboration. In contrast, employees with a strong sense of self-efficacy are less susceptible to the dehumanizing effects of a toxic manager.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateMar 13, 2026

How the brain responds to bullying

Researchers found that bullying activates social and emotional brain networks, as well as autonomic threat response systems, leading to increased risk of mental and somatic health issues. Viewers with previous bullying experiences show stronger neural responses to bullied individuals, highlighting the long-term effects of bullying.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateSep 22, 2025

Breaking the cycle: unveiling how childhood trauma fuels parenting and abuse

A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Nearly 4 of 10 Americans report sports-related mistreatment

A new study found that nearly 40% of adult Americans report experiencing some form of sport-related mistreatment, with psychological and emotional abuse leading the way. The study also revealed that weight issues were a common reason for mistreatment, cited by 52% of respondents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of the Sociology of Leisure·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

More than half of college students report alcohol-related harms from others

A new study reveals that more than half of US college students experience alcohol-related harms caused by others. The findings show that students who identified as White, cisfemale, or transgender, and those living with roommates, were at greater risk. Commonly reported harms included social harm, sleep disruptions, and emotional hurt.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateJan 7, 2025

Unregulated experts can cause harm to children in family courts in England and Wales

A UCL study reveals that unregulated experts appointed by family courts in England and Wales have caused devastating harm to children, separating them from their mothers and forcing them to live with abusive fathers. The 'alienation' belief system has become a legal weapon that punishes and controls those who speak up about abuse.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Social Welfare and Family Law·DateNov 14, 2024

New research highlights the overlooked dangers of subtle and covert abuse in intimate relationships

A scoping review reveals a lack of understanding about subtle and covert abuse in intimate relationships, with potential widespread impact. The study identifies key behaviours, including undermining, limiting, and withholding, which can lead to long-term emotional and psychological harm for victims.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTrauma Violence & Abuse·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 9, 2024

Breaking the chain of intergenerational violence

A study by researchers from the University of Tokyo found that people with adverse childhood experiences are more likely to commit physical or verbal abuse against older adults. The study, which analyzed over 13,000 responses in Japan, revealed that psychological factors were a key contributor to this behavior.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2024

Childhood trauma linked to major biological and health risks

A new study found that childhood trauma can have specific consequences for biological health and risk of developing 20 major diseases later in life. The study's findings differ by sex and type of stressor, highlighting the need for a precision medicine approach based on patients' sex and specific stress profile.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2024

UBC Okanagan study raises concerns about partner violence in queer relationships

A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Why some abusive bosses get a pass from their employees

A new study suggests that employees may label abuse from successful bosses as 'tough love,' rather than actual abuse. When a boss is seen as high performer, workers are less likely to show hostility and more likely to think their career can be boosted by success.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024

Developmental supports crucial for young victims of child abuse

A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

New study may broaden the picture of the consequences of childhood adversity

A new study from Karolinska Institutet has found a clear link between childhood adversity and the risk of mental illness later in life. The research suggests that genetics and environment play a significant role in contributing to adult psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for targeted health care interventions within families ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

Chung-Ang University study highlights barriers preventing bystander help during gender-based violence

A recent study by Chung-Ang University reveals that lack of success in previous intervention attempts and negative emotions are significant barriers hindering bystander interventions. The research highlights the need for targeted education programs to address these barriers, particularly among university students and those experiencing...

SourceChung Ang University·JournalTrauma Violence & Abuse·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2024

Adverse childhood experiences linked to muscle dysmorphia

A new study found that adverse childhood experiences are associated with greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms in Canadian adolescents and young adults. Adverse childhood experiences, such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, may lead to body dissatisfaction and the pursuit of muscularity as a coping mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalClinical Social Work Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

Study compares youth detained for sex trafficking with more serious offenders

A new study from Florida Atlantic University compares the characteristics and risk factors of youth detained for running away or sex trafficking to those detained for more serious offenses. The research found significant differences in abuse rates, polyvictimization, and other factors between the two groups.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 8, 2023

Friendly teasing or traumatic bullying? Homophobic name-calling leaves scars

A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of School Violence·TypeSurvey·DateJul 5, 2023

Childhood maltreatment predicts adult emotional difficulties

A new meta-analysis suggests a strong link between childhood maltreatment and adult alexithymia, with three types of child maltreatment - emotional neglect, physical neglect, and sexual abuse - being particularly predictive. This can lead to difficulties in identifying and describing emotions, harming social and intimate relationships.

SourceStanford University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJun 5, 2023

UK cardiology societies issue joint policy statement to stamp out bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the specialty

The British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have issued a joint policy statement to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination in UK cardiology departments. The statement emphasizes that every team member has a duty to call out inappropriate behaviors to drive culture change.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 30, 2023

When both mom and dad maltreat their child

A new study found that factors such as substance use, housing insecurity, and intimate partner violence are linked to an increased risk of both parents being involved in physical or sexual abuse. However, other risk factors like economic insecurity and parental mental health problems were not associated with any type of maltreatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChildren·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2023

Study finds disparate gender differences in victims of child sex trafficking

The study reveals that female youth charged with prostitution had significantly higher prevalence rates of physical abuse and lower likelihood of living with parents, while males were more likely to live with their parents. Education and training are crucial for professionals to identify sex trafficking victimization and reduce misiden...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalVictims & Offenders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2023

Having suffered trauma during childhood triples the risk of suffering a serious mental disorder in adulthood

A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2022

Horrible bosses cause ‘race to the bottom’ - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that hostile behavior from leaders can lead to co-workers adopting similar behavior, creating a toxic workplace environment. The research also discovered an association between experiencing hostile behavior and emotional exhaustion, job insecurity, and abusive peer behavior.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 30, 2022

New advice for doctors on how to identify and respond to reproductive coercion

A new paper provides guidance for healthcare workers on recognizing signs of reproductive coercion, which can involve psychological pressure, emotional blackmail, and physical violence. Doctors are advised to ask specific questions and establish a professional relationship with patients to gather more information and provide support.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalBMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 23, 2022

The Lancet Psychiatry: Adults with a history of childhood trauma can benefit from recommended depression treatments, contrary to current theory

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that adults with a history of childhood trauma can experience symptom improvement after pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or combination treatment. Despite previous theories, these common treatments are effective for patients with childhood trauma.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Childhood emotional trauma linked to heightened MS risk among women

Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found a strong association between childhood emotional trauma and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. Women who experienced childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, were more likely to develop MS compared to those without a history of abuse.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Reading builds resilience among at-risk kids

A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

No more ‘patch and go’: Revolving emergency departments must deliver more for victims of child abuse and neglect

Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeCase study·DateDec 13, 2021