According to a recent study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, parents who yell at their children may actually be damaging their child's mental health. Reports show that 13-year-olds with parents who shouted at them suffer more symptoms of depression than peers whose parents don't. The study at the university involved nearly 1,000 two-parent families living in the United States.
This is one of the first studies to successfully conclude that verbal discipline can damage a developing adolescent. The study concluded that even if parents and children have a strong bond, shouting and other actions of anger can result in mental deterioration. Statistics show that 90% of all parents have admitted to speaking to their children harshly and about 45% of all parents admit to swearing at teenagers or calling them demeaning names.
The results from this study may sound simple and insignificant, but they could actually have a serious effect on child custody situations. If researchers continue to reinforce the link between shouting at children and mental diseases like depression, then verbally abusive or angry parents will have less of a chance to gain custody of their children or visitation with them.
As a parent, do your best to speak calmly with your children when they frustrate you. This will not only reinforce your bond with your children but will help to enhance your child's mental well-being. Children that are yelled at and are often called names may even tend to prefer their other parent, and may make this known when the court interviews the children regarding child custody decisions. If you are in the midst of a child custody battle and need legal representation, contact a San Fernando divorce attorney at Cutter & Lax for assistance. With the right attorney on your side, you will be able to work towards a favorable outcome in your family law case!
