Childhood Emotion Dysregulation

A recent study of predominantly low income, African-American women, found that there are significant correlations between childhood emotional abuse, emotion dysregulation and depression. This study was conducted because not much research is conducted on emotional abuse in contrast to research done on physical or sexual abuse. Researchers posed a hypothesis that determined emotional abuse to be a strong indicator that an individual would later be diagnosed with depression, emotional dysregulation, or both. They also hypothesized that emotional dysregulation in addition to childhood emotional abuse may increase one’s chances of developing depression. Participants were approached at general medical and obstetrics/gynecological clinics to be interviewed and complete several self-report measures which included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Emotion

It was also concluded that certain negative effects often associated only with physical and sexual abuse could specifically correlate to emotional abuse only. However, as the experiment was cross-sectional, it is not reasonable to draw any solid conclusions. Other limitations include self-report bias, and the underreporting of childhood traumas. These findings are important for clinicians because in the context of maltreatment, emotional abuse is often overlooked. Health professionals should evidently acknowledge the fact that there exist a correlation between childhood emotional abuse and mental health issues like depression, which would be beneficial for those who may not have access to mental health services. It can also be important for caregivers, as children learn from their caregivers how to regulate their emotions, thus taking preventive measures can lower a child’s risk of developing mental health