Any previous displays of depression, anxiety, or social withdrawal might be amplified. Abused adolescents might run away to perceived “safer” environments, engage in risky behavior (smoking, drinking alcohol, early sexual activity, using drugs, prostitution, homelessness, gang involvement, and carrying guns).

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- Toddler Age 
- Preschool Age
- Primary School Age
- Adolescence

Abuse Effects on Behavioral Development

Behavioural consequences of child abuse. (2013). Canadian Family Physician, 59, 831–836.

Behavioural consequences of child abuse

Buckingham, E. T., & Daniolos, P. (2013). Longitudinal Outcomes for Victims of Child Abuse. Current Psychiatry Reports, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-012-0342-3

Longitudinal Outcomes for Victims of Child Abuse

Child will usually react to any stressful stimuli with a range of angry and emotional expression (e.g. aggressive behavior or fighting with caregivers/peers).

Abuse Effects on Toddlers

Boys tend to externalize their emotions through expressions of anger, aggression, and verbal bullying. Girls tend to internalize their emotions by being depressed and socially withdrawn, and may have somatic symptoms like headaches and abdominal pain.

Abuse Effects on Preschoolers

Abused children often have trouble with school (e.g. poor academic performance, a lack of interest in school, poor concentration during classes, and limited friendships). Aside from school, these children might also demonstrate poor self esteem, suicidal/self-destructive, attention-seeking, delinquent, depressive, or anxious behavior.

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