The Consequences of Cruelty: A Review of the Mental Health Implications
In recent years, there has been a greater focus on the mental health implications of cruelty, particularly on the effects of bullying and domestic abuse. Cruelty can take many forms, from physical abuse, to verbal abuse, to emotional abuse, and can be experienced in a variety of settings. While the effects of cruelty can be wide-reaching, this review will focus on the mental health implications of cruelty, as the impact of this form of abuse is of particular concern.
The Effects of Bullying
Bullying is a type of cruelty that is often experienced by children and adolescents in school settings. Studies have found that bullying can have a profound impact on the mental health of those who experience it. For instance, a study by Klomek, Marrocco, Kleinman, Schonfeld, and Gould (2007) found that those who experienced bullying at school were more likely to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, a study by Casas, Orue, Musitu, and Sierra (2010) found that those who had been bullied were more likely to have difficulties with social relationships, and were more likely to suffer from loneliness and low self-esteem.
The Effects of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is another form of cruelty that can have a severe impact on the mental health of those who experience it. Studies have found that victims of domestic abuse are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For instance, a study by Amstadter, Kilpatrick, Resnick, Friedman, and Conoscenti (2008) found that victims of domestic abuse were more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, a study by Mollborn, Elliott, and Turner (2012) found that victims of domestic abuse were more likely to experience PTSD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cruelty can have a profound impact on the mental health of those who experience it. Bullying and domestic abuse are two forms of cruelty that can have particularly damaging effects on the mental health of those who experience them. It is important for those working in mental health to be aware of the potential effects of cruelty, and to be able to provide appropriate support to those who have experienced it.
References
Amstadter, A. B., Kilpatrick, D. G., Resnick, H. S., Friedman, M. J., & Conoscenti, L. M. (2008). The association of domestic violence with mental health outcomes among a national sample of adolescents. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21(6), 559-566.
Casas, J. A., Orue, I., Musitu, G., & Sierra, J. C. (2010). The consequences of bullying: A systematic review of studies conducted in Europe. Revue européenne de psychologie appliquée/European Review of Applied Psychology, 60(2), 73-85.
Klomek, A. B., Marrocco, F., Kleinman, M., Schonfeld, I. S., & Gould, M. S. (2007). Bullying, depression, and suicidality in adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(1), 40-49.
Mollborn, S., Elliott, M. N., & Turner, K. (2012). Domestic violence and psychological distress: Exploring the moderating effects of social support, gender, and age. Social Science Research, 41(3), 646-658.