Introduction
The long- and short-term effects of childhood sexual abuse have a tremendous impact on survivors’ well-being. Victims frequently go through mental turmoil immediately, including different conditions such as anxiety, despair, remorse, humiliation, and poor self-esteem (Castro et al., 2021). As for the short-term, they could have trouble building good connections, be confused, or have sleep problems. Substance addiction and physical symptoms like headaches and stomach discomfort can also be used as coping techniques.
Main Body
Exposure to childhood sexual abuse can have long-term impacts as survivors mature. Chronic mental health conditions such as complicated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative disorders, and even suicidal thoughts can be a result of emotional scars (Fuller-Thomson et al., 2020). Survivors who struggle to build trust and have healthy sexual relationships may have intimacy problems. It is possible that unhealthy coping strategies like self-harm or eating problems will continue.
Due to issues with focus, memory, and self-efficacy, childhood sexual abuse can also have an adverse effect on cognitive growth by lowering academic and professional accomplishment. Trauma may alter a survivor’s worldview, resulting in inaccurate perceptions of the world, their relationships, and themselves, which impedes personal development and fulfillment (Fuller-Thomson et al., 2020). Isolation may be a long-term social consequence for survivors, who frequently battle with emotions of difference or unworthiness. Those who have survived can try to recover and rebuild their lives with the right counseling and support (Castro et al., 2021). To reduce long-term impacts, early intervention through therapy and counseling is essential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, survivors of childhood sexual abuse live in difficult conditions. Long-term impacts include mental health illnesses, interpersonal conflict, and cognitive decline. Short-term repercussions include emotional and physical stress. To make sure that survivors have access to the tools they need to recover and prosper, it is essential to recognize the importance of these effects.
References
Castro, A., Ibanez, J., Math, B., Esteban, J., & Barada, J. R. (2019). Childhood sexual abuse, sexual behavior, and revictimization in adolescence and youth: a mini-review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(1). Web.
Fuller-Thomson, E., Lacombe-Duncan, A., Goodman, D., Fallon, B., & Brennenstuhl, S. (2020). From surviving to thriving: Factors associated with complete mental health among childhood sexual abuse survivors. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 55(1), 735-744. Web.