How Childhood Trauma Affects Mental Health

Abstract

Harmful childhood experiences, such as neglect, abuse, and emotional rejection, strongly impact a child’s mental, emotional, and physical development. These early traumas can disrupt a child's ability to form secure attachments, essential for healthy emotional and social functioning later in life. According to attachment theory, first developed by John Bowlby, the bond formed between a child and their primary caregiver is crucial not only for survival but also for shaping future development. When a child experiences neglect or abuse, the disruption of this primary relationship can lead to insecure or disorganized attachment styles, making it more difficult for them to develop trust and emotional regulation. This paper explores how childhood trauma, specifically neglect and abuse, influences mental health and behavioural outcomes and attachment styles, both during childhood and into adulthood.