Antecedents and consequences of child emotional abuse : a retrospective study among undergraduates in Singapore

• Main Authors: Deng, Shiying, Lim, Ronda Lee Teen, Chong, Clare Miao Yee
• Other Authors: Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Communication::Communication theories and models
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52258
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Child Emotional Abuse (CEA) refers to the significant impairment of a child’s social, emotional and intellectual development resulting from the adult’s persistent hostility, ignoring, blaming and discrimination of the child. Hostile rejection, terrorization, and denial of emotional responsiveness are key dimensions of CEA, suggesting that inappropriate interpersonal communication is a major contributing factor. Despite the serious repercussions and high incidence of CEA, it remains understudied and neglected by the public at large. Although risk factors and consequences of CEA have been investigated separately, limited literature has examined the antecedents and long-term consequences of CEA in one study. Taking into account that family members can affect the functioning and emotional stability of other members, Bowen Family Systems Theory is used as a theoretical framework for the current study to discuss how poor interpersonal communication can arise from antecedents such as parenting styles, family communication patterns and socio-economic statuses. Consequences such as self-esteem and attitudes towards parents in adulthood were also studied. An online survey was administered to 615 undergraduates in Singapore and they were asked to recall their childhood experiences of emotional abuse. Significant relationships were identified with all antecedents and consequences of CEA. Our key findings revealed that responsive parenting style and attitudes towards parents in adulthood were strongly and negatively correlated to CEA. Based on the results, the authors will discuss theoretical implications and practical contributions to policy makers, campaign organisers and parents to address the problem of CEA in Singapore.