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Receiving threatening or obscene messages from a partner and mental health

A new study found that one in fifteen adults experienced threatening or obscene messaging from a partner, with victims at higher risk of mental health issues. Recipients were more likely to be female, younger, and socioeconomically disadvantaged. The study suggests that exposure to these messages could lead to poor health outcomes.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2021

Street-based sex workers perform emotional labor to build customer loyalty

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that street-based sex workers invest considerable emotional effort into maintaining loyal customers. They use relational work activities such as friendly service, flexible payments, and scheduling to retain clients. This approach helps them avoid potentially violent or abusive clients and provi...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWork Employment and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2021

Digital dating abuse especially bad for girls

Girls experience higher rates of digital dating abuse and report more negative emotional responses compared to boys. Digital sexual coercion victimization also disproportionately affects girls due to societal expectations of prioritizing relationships and feeling entitled to sexual power over girls.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJun 27, 2017

Different types of child abuse: Similar consequences

A study by McGill University researchers found that emotional abuse has equivalent, broad, and universal effects on children's behavior and mental health, comparable to physical abuse and neglect. The study suggests that effective treatments for maltreatment of any sort are likely to have comprehensive benefits.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 2015

Maltreated children's brains show 'encouraging' ability to regulate emotions

A University of Washington-led study found that maltreated adolescents can modulate their emotional responses when taught strategies for controlling them. The researchers observed increased brain activity in regions involved in emotion control among the maltreated group, suggesting a promising ability to regulate emotions with training.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 2015

Services lacking for young gay black men

A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the lack of resources for young gay black men who experience trauma, depression, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behavior. The study found nearly a third of participants reported experiencing sexual assault at an average age of 10, with many experiencing multiple forms ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services·DateSep 18, 2013

Childhood abuse raises drug users' suicide risk

A new study found that childhood abuse can have life-and-death consequences for the rest of a person's life, with severe-to-extreme abuse contributing significantly to future suicide attempts. The study used a longitudinal design and found strong associations between abuse and lasting mental health impacts well into adulthood.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 18, 2013

Childhood emotional maltreatment causes troubled romantic relationships -- Ben-Gurion U. researchers

Researchers found that people who experienced childhood emotional maltreatment tend to have unstable and unsatisfying romantic relationships. This is due to self-criticism stemming from the abuse, which can lead to internalized behaviors and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateMay 2, 2012

Suffer the children

A Canadian study found that 96% of substantiated child abuse cases did not result in serious physical harm, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of investigative procedures and risk assessments. The study's findings also raise concerns about the emphasis on rapid intervention over longer-term service needs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 27, 2003

Experience alters how we perceive emotion

A recent study by Seth Pollak found that children who have experienced physical abuse categorize facial expressions differently than non-abused children. Abused children identified more faces as being 'angry' rather than fearful or sad. This suggests that experience can shape how people perceive and understand emotions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2002

Children Act 'charter for abuse'

The article criticizes the Children Act for shifting protection towards rehabilitation, making it harder to intervene in cases of severe abuse. The authors argue that the Act has led to a reluctance among social workers to take action, resulting in more children being left vulnerable.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 23, 2000

Sexual Abuse Of Boys Is More Common Than Believed; Consequences Of Abuse Are Highly Negative

A recent study reveals that up to 8-16% of the male population have experienced childhood sexual abuse, with far-reaching consequences including psychiatric problems, substance abuse, and long-lasting emotional health issues. The researchers call for medical professionals and parents to be more vigilant in addressing this issue.

Why Abused Women Don't Tell Their Doctors

A study by Jeanne McCauley and colleagues found that abused women face significant barriers to discussing their abuse with doctors, including shame, denial, and a lack of supportive physicians. Despite this, many women reported improvement in their health after leaving the relationship or speaking with a doctor.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 1998