5.1.2 Short and Long-Term Effects of Negative Life Events
Short and Long-Term Effects of Negative Life Events on Development and Functioning e.g. Maternal Loss, Child Abuse, Chronic or Life-Threatening Illness
Adverse life events have the potential to cause significant distress and disruption to an individual’s life, particularly in childhood. Exposure to negative life events can have both short and long-term effects on a child’s development and functioning. This can include events such as maternal loss, child abuse, and chronic or life-threatening illness.
Maternal loss, particularly in early childhood, has been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems (Lieberman et al., 2016). Children who experience maternal loss may also be at increased risk of developing attachment disorders, which can impact their ability to form healthy relationships later in life (Bowlby, 1980).
Child abuse is another negative life event that can have significant short and long-term effects on a child’s development and functioning. Children who experience abuse may develop a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Finkelhor et al., 2015). They may also be at increased risk of engaging in high-risk behaviours, such as substance abuse and self-harm (Silverman et al., 2015).
Chronic or life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer or HIV, can also have significant short and long-term effects on a child’s development and functioning. Children with chronic illnesses may experience disruptions in their education and social development, as well as physical limitations and increased risk of depression and anxiety (Streisand et al., 2015). They may also face stigma and discrimination, which can further impact their mental health and well-being.
In summary, negative life events can have significant short and long-term effects on a child’s development and functioning. It is important for mental health professionals to be aware of the potential impact of these events and provide appropriate support and intervention to help children cope with and recover from these experiences.
Resilience:
Some children are more sensitive to adversity than others, as illustrated by the “orchids and dandelions” concept. Orchids struggle in suboptimal conditions but flourish in the right environment, while dandelions thrive almost anywhere. This highlights genetic risk and the importance of nurturing environments for sensitive children. Promoting resilience and the ability to recover is crucial for those working with children or young people to prevent and treat mental health problems.
| Factors | Examples |
| Child | Easy temperament, good nature, gender, higher IQ, good social skills, empathy, sense of humour, attractiveness, self-awareness, identity, positive values, self-esteem, self-efficacy, problem-solving skills |
| Family | Secure base, warm/supportive caregivers, good parent-child relationship, parental harmony, valued social role (e.g., helping siblings), close relationship with one parent/attachment figure in case of parental conflict |
| Environment | Supportive extended family, successful school experiences, valued social role (e.g., job, volunteering), close relationship with an unrelated mentor, membership in religious/faith community, extracurricular activities |
In summary, negative life events can have significant short and long-term effects on a child’s development and functioning. It is important for mental health professionals to be aware of the potential impact of these events and provide appropriate support and intervention to help children cope with and recover from these experiences.
References:
- Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and Loss. New York: Basic Books.
- Finkelhor, D., Turner, H. A., Shattuck, A., & Hamby, S. L. (2015). Prevalence of childhood exposure to violence, crime, and abuse: Results from the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence. JAMA Pediatrics, 169(8), 746-754.
- Lieberman, A. F., Van Horn, P., & Ippen, C. G. (2016). Toward evidence-based treatment: Child-parent psychotherapy with preschoolers exposed to marital violence. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 55(12), 1046-1054.
- Silverman, A. B., Reinherz, H. Z., & Giaconia, R. M. (2015). The long-term sequelae of child and adolescent abuse: A longitudinal community study. Child Abuse & Neglect, 49, 10-19.
- Streisand, R., Braniecki, S., Tercyak, K. P., Kazak, A. E., & Kazak, A. E. (2015). Childhood illness-related parenting stress: The pediatric inventory for parents. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 40(10), 1041-1050.