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The Long-Term Effects of Child Physical Abuse  
Serena Yeager 

Department of Sociology 
 California State University, Los Angeles 

ABSTRACT 
This paper explores the lasting effects of childhood physical abuse 
(or CPA), with a specific focus on its role in perpetuating chronic 
pain, intergenerational cycles of abuse, and mental health 
deterioration. CPA continues to be a significant societal issue, with 
long-term repercussions extending beyond the immediate physical 
harm experienced by victims. Victims of CPA are more likely to 
develop medical issues in adulthood, including chronic pain and 
neurological changes that exacerbate mental health disorders such 
as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, CPA 
can contribute to heightened emotional sensitivity and disruption 
of emotional regulation, which can increase the likelihood of 
victims perpetuating abusive behaviors in adulthood. While 
education and therapeutic interventions are shown to mitigate 
some adverse effects of CPA, challenges in accessibility remain. 
Through an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating literature 
review and personal reflections, this paper highlights the 
interconnected physical, emotional, and societal consequences of 
CPA. By fostering awareness and improving intervention 
strategies, this paper advocates for continued discourse and 
systemic change in addressing the needs of victims. 
 
Childhood physical abuse (or CPA) has undergone extensive 
reform through various legislative measures over time; however, 
it is still a prevalent social issue. CPA tends to be defined as the 
non-accidental physical injury of a child by a parent/caregiver, the 
injuries sustained can include bruises, fractures, cuts, burns, welts 
and other physical injuries (Valle and Lutzker 2006). CPA can 
cause long-term harm to victims in a variety of ways that does not 
exclude physical harm. Some might say that CPA only affects 
children in regard to short-term physical health but there are other 
non-physical effects of such abuse. These seemingly ‘invisible’ 
effects do not disappear like bruises but stay present in the body 
and mind for many years. This abuse has long-lasting, diverse, 
negative effects. By long-lasting, I refer to the notion that the 



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effects of CPA can have enduring consequences for the victims 
throughout their lives and the next generations. This paper 
presents a literature review of existing research on CPA and its 
long-term implications, along with personal reflections on my 
own experiences with this issue. These insights aim to encourage 
further discussions on the topic. I will explore some of the facets 
that child physical abuse affects, focusing on three principal areas: 
the manifestation of chronic and gendered pain in adulthood, the 
perpetration of violence, and mental health issues. Through this 
examination, I aim to address the difficulties faced by victims of 
CPA as they transition into adulthood, while also considering the 
broader societal implications of these challenges. This paper will 
not specifically address the lack of support available to victims; 
however, it will discuss studies explaining the impacts of CPA and 
how resources used helped victims to a certain degree. It is 
important to note that this paper does not suggest that the methods 
reviewed will resolve all issues caused by CPA.  

 
CHRONIC AND GENDERED PAIN IN ADULTHOOD 
CPA is associated with an elevated likelihood of reporting chronic 
pain. A study conducted on adults suffering from chronic pain 
revealed that individuals who experienced physical abuse during 
childhood are 45% more likely to endure chronic pain in 
adulthood (Bussières et al. 2023). Furthermore, chronic pain is 
associated with substantial economic implications. Medical 
expenses and lost productivity associated with chronic pain 
exceed those of heart disease and cancer combined. This shows 
CPA can have negative financial implications for individuals who 
developed chronic pain into adulthood. They can be burdened 
with increased medical expenses associated with their conditions. 
Additionally, chronic pain can cause other financial stressors such 
as finding or holding a job. Chronic pain can include calling out 
more or needing extra accommodations at work. This could result 
in those adults getting unjustly fired, having financial instability 
would leave them unable to fight these actions in court. This is 
particularly significant for individuals who are in a lower tax 
bracket or possess lower levels of education, as they may have 
limited access to employment opportunities that are not labor 
intensive. 



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Continuing to focus on the realities of pain in adulthood, 
I will examine how women experience sexual pain because of 
CPA. Women who have experienced CPA are 1.5 times more 
likely to experience pain during sexual intercourse. Researchers 
(Talmon, Uysal, and Gross 2021) found that physical 
abuse significantly predicted increases in pain during sex for 
women but not for men, this information was gathered by 
researchers over a ten-year longitudinal study. The study, which 
comprised 410 women and 397 men, revealed that there were no 
significant associations for men who experienced CPA. However, 
the study also showed that physical neglect was identified as a 
significant predictor of increased pain among men. Additionally, 
the experience of pain during sexual intercourse can adversely 
affect these women's relationships. Consequently, they may 
require additional therapeutic interventions, such as counseling or 
physical therapy, depending on the severity of the pain. It is 
important to keep in mind these services can be costly, further 
adding marital strain. Troubles during intimacy can cause other 
marital problems; it can lead to numerous unfair outcomes like 
infidelity or marital abuse. The physical abuse received in 
childhood can have a profound domino effect on the individual 
throughout their life and their interpersonal relationships. This 
study demonstrated that childhood abuse can cause varying 
experiences for both men and women, while furthermore 
perpetuating violence across generations. 

 
CONTINUING OR BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE 
Experiencing CPA increases the chances of abusing your own 
children. Researchers (Voorthuis et al. 2014) conducted a study 
involving 337 female college students that revolved around their 
childhood trauma and temperament. Both emotional neglect and 
physical abuse significantly predicted the likelihood of increased 
child abuse potential by 1.5 times; however, this association was 
observed exclusively among individuals exhibiting high levels of 
temperamental orienting sensitivity. What this means is that those 
with heightened sensitivity are more vulnerable to the negative 
effects of their childhood abuse making them also more likely to 
experience negative effects like pain during sex (Talmon et al. 
2021) which was mentioned previously. Not only that but 



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according to the systematic review and meta-analysis of 
researchers (Zhang et al. 2020), for females there is significant 
association between adverse childhood experiences and the 
subsequent development of ADHD. Drawing on my personal 
experiences as a woman with ADHD and a background of CPA, it 
has been noted by myself and others around me that I have higher 
sensitivity compared to others. Managing these intensified 
emotions is an ongoing learning process for others and myself. In 
circumstances where individuals have experienced trauma during 
childhood and may be at risk of perpetuating this cycle, therapy 
can be an effective intervention. Such therapeutic efforts aim not 
only to address childhood trauma, but also to enhance emotional 
well-being, and manage any associated mental health challenges 
that individuals may encounter because of their early experiences. 
Understanding this highlights the interconnectedness of CPA and 
its enduring impact on future generations. Therapeutic 
interventions may serve as a significant support mechanism for 
children who have experienced abuse. 

Psychotherapeutic experiences following CPA 
may reduce the likelihood of violence in adulthood. Researchers 
(Maxwell et al. 2016) found that receiving psychotherapy resulted 
in a reduction of approximately 30% in the likelihood of 
perpetrating physical violence during adulthood. This information 
indicates that we have the capacity to help reduce and ultimately 
prevent violence. The CPA can adversely affect others and 
perpetuate the cycle of abuse through generations (Voorthuis et al. 
2014). Furthermore, this abuse is not solely physical; it can also 
manifest in emotional and psychological forms, as noted by 
Maxwell et al. (2016). However, through the incorporation of 
therapy or counseling, society can effectuate a change in these 
statistics. As someone who regularly participated in talk therapy, 
I have experienced significant positive changes in my ability to 
manage my heighted sensitivity. It is essential to acknowledge that 
therapy can be a fundamental component of healing to improve 
our society. Mental health professionals are essential in supporting 
individuals as they navigate the healing process and work towards 
personal growth goals. It can be beneficial to discuss the potential 
opportunity to enhance the implementation and accessibility of 



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mental health services for CPA victims. This type of initiative 
could prevent harm to themselves and others. 

 
MENTAL HEALTH REPERCUSSIONS 
Physical abuse is associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation. 
Researchers (Yıldız, Orak and Aydoğdu 2023) found that those 
who experience physical abuse as a child were 2.5 times more 
likely to have suicidal thoughts into adulthood. The research 
conducted by Yıldız et al. (2023) also indicated that experiencing 
CPA is linked to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and 
feelings of powerlessness, which in turn contributed to an increase 
in suicidal thoughts and ideation. Self-harm may result in 
hospitalization, resulting in debt that jeopardizes the survivor’s 
economic stability and that of their families. If a victim ultimately 
commits suicide, their family will also face financial and 
emotional burdens, potentially requiring government assistance 
and impacting taxpayers. Having experienced CPA, I faced 
challenges such as mild depression and anxiety, which is 
consistent with the findings of Yıldız et al. (2023). Additionally, I 
dealt with self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts; however, 
therapy helped reduce these thoughts and actions. Referring again 
to the work of Maxwell et al. (2016), it is evident that therapy can 
be instrumental not only in mitigating harm to others but also in 
alleviating self-inflicted distress. It is essential for society to 
continue advocating for mental health and to convey to individuals 
that they are not alone in their struggles. Additionally, mental 
health professionals who understand these CPA and mental health 
correlations can better support CPA victims in addressing their 
internal challenges. 

Children who were physically abused before the age of 5 
were more likely to score in the clinical range for internalizing 
disorders. Researchers (Lansford et al. 2021) also found that those 
who were physically abused as children reported lower levels of 
physical health and their chances of meeting the clinical range for 
internalized disorders was 2.10 times higher. To provide 
additional information, the study's internalizing disorders 
included depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints. 
Internalized disorders can lead to chronic mental health issues, 
adversely affecting an individual's ability to establish healthy 



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relationships, maintain employment, and uphold an overall quality 
of life. Additionally, somatic complaints may result in frequent 
medical visits, contributing to increased healthcare costs. This 
observation aligns with the findings of researchers Bussières et al. 
(2023), who noted that chronic pain is associated with higher 
healthcare utilization and more frequent hospital visits. Frequent 
hospital visits can significantly diminish an individual's quality of 
life and place considerable strain on healthcare resources, 
ultimately affecting both the healthcare system and the economic 
well-being of patients. Addressing this issue effectively begins 
with preventing child abuse from occurring in the first place. It is 
important to consider how childhood experiences of abuse can 
shape an individual’s perception of the world and influence 
societal norms. Ultimately, prioritizing the mental well-being of 
children can increase the development of a healthy self-image.  

Those who experienced CPA reported significantly lower 
self-rated health scores in adulthood. Wang and Zhao (2022) 
found that the pursuit and continuation of higher education can 
alleviate the negative effects of CPA and other related traumatic 
events by 25%. It is important to note, however, that this does not 
eliminate completely the adverse negative impacts associated with 
CPA. This concept may prove advantageous for survivors of CPA 
who are contemplating the pursuit of further education. 
Additionally, it would enable them to take an active role in 
shaping their own futures, progressively acquiring knowledge and 
fostering personal healing. Higher education can instill a sense of 
accomplishment and expand access to higher-paying employment 
opportunities. Through these job prospects, individuals who may 
have previously faced barriers due to their childhood 
circumstances or lower socioeconomic status can ascend the 
socio-economic ladder. This provides a compelling rationale for 
making higher education more accessible and even tuition-free. 
Moreover, education fosters critical thinking skills and diminishes 
the likelihood of repeating historical errors. This is especially 
pertinent in disrupting the cycle of abuse that individuals who 
have suffered CPA may feel compelled to perpetuate, as evidenced 
by Voorthuis et al. (2014). Ultimately, attaining a higher education 
can enable individuals to transform their lives and enhance their 
cognitive abilities. 



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Physical abuse can be linked to functional reorganizations 
in various brain regions which have implications for mental 
health. Cai et al. (2023) determined that individuals who endured 
CPA exhibited a 1.8 times increased risk of developing mental 
health disorders in adulthood, attributable to stress-related 
functional reconfigurations in multiple regions of the brain. To 
clarify, the mental health disorders referred to in this study are 
depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 
adulthood. The study also uncovered that CPA was associated with 
alterations in brain functional connectivity, particularly in regions 
pertinent to emotional regulation and stress response. These 
modifications in brain connectivity were correlated with an 
elevated risk of developing disorders, such as depression and 
anxiety. It is important for CPA victims to understand that any 
health issues they may be experiencing are not their fault, nor 
should they be dismissed as mere laziness. This statement is 
particularly relevant given the prevalent stigma surrounding 
mental health in certain cultures. Based on personal experience 
within Mexican culture, there often exists a mentality that 
advocates for simply overcoming challenges and continuing to 
work, rather than seeking help through therapy or other medical 
resources. Recognizing the influence that CPA has on mental well-
being, society could continue to foster empathy and understanding 
to enhance mental health awareness and resource utilization.  

CPA globally impacts the control of emotion regulation. 
Researchers (Cheng and Langevin 2023) found that CPA can 
hinder a victim’s ability to identify, label and express emotions but 
especially fear. Victims tend to struggle understanding others and 
managing their own emotions which can complicate relationship 
building and distort their world views, which can lead to unhealthy 
dynamics. This ties back to the research Maxwell et al. (2016) 
explained that CPA can make victims engage in abuse themselves 
as adults. This cycle of violence affects not just the survivors but 
also those around them, as it increases the likelihood of unhealthy 
relationships and therapeutic needs for future generations. 
Consequently, addressing these emotional issues requires resource 
allocation for such support. Ultimately, understanding this issue is 
vital for personal development and prevention of further abuse. 
Violence can have a continuous effect among individuals. While 



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survivors may face difficulties in recognizing and articulating 
their emotions, it is evident that this is not a concern that only 
impacts victims but those around them. 

 
CONCLUSION 
Overall, CPA has enduring effects that impact victims, 
manifesting in various ways and to varying degrees. Notably, CPA 
increases the likelihood of having chronic pain in adulthood, and 
it can also impose significant financial burdens (Bussières et al. 
2023). Not only that but for adult women CPA has been associated 
with an increase in pain during intercourse, further underscoring 
its long-lasting physical implications (Talmon et al. 2021). 
Beyond physical and personal pain, research showed that 
individuals with a history of experiencing CPA were more prone 
to inflicting violence on their own children if they exhibited high 
levels of temperamental sensitivity (Voorthuis et al. 2014). On the 
bright side psychotherapeutic intervention can mitigate the risk of 
violent behavior in adults who experienced CPA, reducing the 
likelihood of continuing abusive behaviors to their own children 
(Maxwell et al. 2016).  

The mental health impact of CPA is equally profound. It 
was shown that there is an association between CPA and increased 
self-harming behaviors (Yıldız et al. 2023). Additionally, CPA 
before the age of five increases the risk of developing internalized 
disorders later in life (Lansford et al. 2021). Mental health 
outcomes can also be influenced by CPA as it alters brain 
structures, victims of CPA report lower self-rated health scores 
(Wang and Zhao 2022). Furthermore, CPA reorganized the brain 
causing neurological changes that increase the likelihood of 
developing mental health disorders and impaired fear recognition 
(Cai et al. 2023). In summary, CPA has long-lasting consequences 
that impact victims physically, mentally, and emotionally. This 
highlights the intricate interconnectedness between personal 
experiences during childhood and adulthood outcomes.  

In summary, CPA has lasting impacts on individuals all 
throughout adulthood, affecting their physical, mental, emotional, 
and social health. A common misconception mentioned was that 
CPA solely impacted a victim's physical health, with pain 
diminishing as injuries heal. However, the long-term effects are 



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significantly more profound, some being: influencing the 
perception of health, mental health issues, and the normalization 
of abusive behavior. This normalization can perpetuate a cycle of 
intergenerational abuse, replicating similar behaviors victims 
might have experienced. While there are many challenges to face 
for those who are victims of CPA, there are also many 
opportunities to grow and heal from the abuse. Psychotherapeutic 
interventions and support systems have demonstrated potential in 
interrupting the intergenerational cycle of abuse. Additionally, 
mental health services can aid in reducing the strength of mental 
disorders as a by-product also reducing self-harming, suicidal 
behaviors and idealizations. It is essential for society to prioritize 
the well-being of children by cultivating environments revolving 
around care, respect, and protection. By addressing the ongoing 
CPA issues and providing accessible resources for the victims, 
pathways can be created towards a future devoid of abuse.  
 

REFERENCES 
Bussières, André, Mark J. Hancock, Ask Elklit, Manuela L. Ferreira, Paulo 

H. Ferreira, Laura S. Stone, Timothy H. Wideman, et al. 2023. 
“Adverse Childhood Experience is Associated with an Increased 
Risk of Reporting Chronic Pain in Adulthood: A Stystematic 
Review and Meta-Analysis.” European Journal of 
Psychotraumatology 14(2), 1-38. DOI: 
10.1080/20008066.2023.2284025. 

Cai, Jianjian, Jia Li, Dong Liu, Sikang Gao, Yunyun Zhao, Jiaxuan Zhang, 
and Qin Liu. 2023. “Long‐Term Effects of Childhood Trauma 
Subtypes on Adult Brain Function.” Brain and Behavior, 13(5):1-
9. DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2981.  

Cheng, Polly, and Rachel Langevin. 2023. “Unpacking the Effects of Child 
Maltreatment Subtypes on Emotional Competence in Emerging 
Adults.” Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and 
Policy 15(Suppl 1):S102-11. DOI: 10.1037/tra0001322. 

Lansford, Jennifer E., Jennifer Godwin, Robert J. McMahon, Max Crowley, 
Gregory S. Pettit, John E. Bates, John D Coie, and Kenneth A. 
Dodge. 2021. “Early Physical Abuse and Adult Outcomes.” 
Pediatrics 147(1):e20200873. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-0873  

Maxwell, Kendal, Jennifer L. Callahan, Camilo J. Ruggero, and Beth Janis. 
2015. “Breaking the Cycle: Association of Attending Therapy 
Following Childhood Abuse and Subsequent Perpetration of 
Violence.” Journal of Family Violence 31(2):251–58. DOI: 
10.1007/s10896-015-9765-z 



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Talmon, Anat, Ahmet Uysal, and James J. Gross. 2021. “Childhood 
Maltreatment and Mid-Life Adult Sexuality: A 10-Year 
Longitudinal Study.” Archives of Sexual Behavior 51(2):781-95. 
DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02030-8. 

Valle, Linda Anne and John R. Lutzker. 2006. “Child Physical Abuse.” 
Practitioner's Guide to Evidence-based Psychotherapy, 169-76. 
Boston: Springer Nature. 

Voorthuis, Alexandra, Ritu Bhandari, Dorothée Out, Rixt van der Veen, 
Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg, and Marinus H. Van 
IJzendoorn. 2014. “Childhood Maltreatment Experiences and 
Child Abuse Potential: Temperamental Sensitivity as Moderator?” 
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014-9624-3. 

Wang, Dianxi, and Yufeng Zhao. 2022. “The Relationship Between Adverse 
Family Experiences During Childhood and Self-rated Health 
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55. DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2021.2013384. 

Yıldız, Muhammed, Uğur Orak, and Ramazan Aydoğdu. 2023. “Enduring 
Effects of Early Life Traumas on Adult Suicidal Ideation.” Journal 
of Child & Adolescent Trauma 16(2):297-307. DOI: 
10.1007/s40653-022-00482-1. 

Zhang, Ning, Man Gao, Jinglong Yu, Qiang Zhang, Weiguang Wang, 
Congxiao Zhou, Lingjia Liu, Ting Sun, Xing Liao, and Junhong 
Wang. 2022. “Understanding the Association Between Adverse 
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10.1002/brb3.2748. 

 
 
 
Serena Yeager (She/Her/Ella) is a first-generation college 
graduate. She is a CSULA alumni who graduated with a 
Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Minor in Communications in 
December of 2024. During her time at CSULA, Serena 
participated as a member of the sociology club and later served as 
treasurer in the fall of 2024. She is grateful for the numerous 
opportunities she has received by being a part of Cal State LA, 
such as submitting a paper to the CSF in the spring of 2025. 
Currently, Serena is a graduate student at CSUN pursuing a 
Master’s in Sociology.


	The Long-Term Effects of Child Physical Abuse - Serena Yeager



