Aberdeen University scientists have been studying a cohort of over 19,000 children, all born in 1958, researching the effects of early trauma as it affects adulthood. Behavioral issues such as stealing, bullying, and the like were the focus of the Scotland study, conducted over the course of 45 years. After assessing questionnaires filled out by the subjects at ages 42 and 45, it was concluded that “problem kids” were doubly at risk for chronic widespread pain than their counterparts.
Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are among the other likely results seen in adults. It’s thought that when the body undergoes a stressful situation, elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system help regulate the body’s response. However, repeated trauma may damage this system, leading to the far-reaching effects outlined above.
As parents, we tend to forget sometimes that when we argue, the tensions can spill over and affect our children. They may be sitting in the next room, but when a certain angry tone comes to them, they tend to stop and listen. Not only is it unfair to the child to be witness to this, according to this study, it may actively harm their future selves. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, really, but a long-term research project like this one is more proof that we do not exist in a vacuum. Our children must be taken into account at all times.
When you feel yourselves on the cusp of a big public blowup, it’s helpful to ask of each other: “Does this help?” It may ease your personal stress to shout and get angry, but does it really help? Chances are that even arguments of substance can be shelved until your child is sleeping. Best yet, just learn to cope with frustration before it happens. Practice breathing. Exercise more. Anything you can do to prevent your children from future pain should be your goal at all times.
