Characterizing the Links Between Childhood Psychological Abuse and Psychosocial Functioning in Adulthood: Support...

This study investigated the relationships between adverse family conditions and the incidence of psychological abuse in childhood and examined how such abuse relates to emotional and social functioning in early adulthood. A survey of 1,769 students from the University of Economics in Katowice (Poland) assessed family risk factors (e.g., parental divorce, alcohol abuse, parental absence) and examined their association with childhood psychological abuse (ChPA) and subsequent psychosocial outcomes. Among participants, 223 individuals (12.6%) reported experiencing psychological abuse in childhood (ChPA group), while 1,536 (87.4%) did not (No Childhood Psychological Abuse group). Psychological abuse was associated with other forms of maltreatment, notably physical abuse (φ = .42) and, to a lesser degree, sexual abuse (φ = 0.09). Individuals exposed to psychological abuse more often reported emotional regulation difficulties, reduced capacity for joy, avoidance of emotional expression, and maladaptive coping (φ = .14-.24). They also faced greater interpersonal challenges, including heightened fear of conflict, uncertainty about social norms, and a tendency to adopt victim roles. The findings emphasize the cumulative risks within dysfunctional families and their associations with mental and social functioning. The study contributes to research on ChPA in Central and Eastern Europe and highlights potential implications for preventive and therapeutic initiatives targeting high-risk families.