Childhood Emotional Abuse May Damage Trust in Your Body

Recent research highlights the profound impact of emotional abuse and neglect during childhood on an individual's ability to perceive and trust their own body signals, a phenomenon known as interoception. A meta-analysis conducted by scientists from TU Dresden and FU Berlin examined data from 17 studies involving 3,705 participants to explore the connection between childhood maltreatment and interoception. While there was no overall link between maltreatment and general body perception, findings indicated that experiences of emotional abuse and neglect significantly correlated with reduced trust in one's own body.

Interoception plays a vital role in emotional regulation, stress management, and overall well-being by enabling individuals to interpret internal signals like heartbeat, breathing, and stomach activity. Disruptions in this ability can lead to challenges in emotional regulation and perceiving personal needs, which may increase vulnerability to mental health issues.

Julia Ditzer, the study’s lead author, explained that those subjected to emotional abuse or neglect tend to report less trust in their bodies, which can have long-term consequences including impaired emotion regulation and heightened risk for mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and somatoform conditions. Dr. Ilka Böhm emphasized that, despite its impact, emotional maltreatment often receives less attention than physical or sexual abuse because it is less visible.

Prof. Anna-Lena Zietlow advocates for greater societal and professional awareness about emotional abuse and neglect, urging researchers and policymakers to recognize these forms of maltreatment as critical. Ensuring children receive not only physical protection but also emotional support and nurturing is essential for their healthy development.

Building on these findings, the team is investigating the link between childhood maltreatment and interoception in adolescents aged 12 to 17, aiming to deepen the understanding of how early emotional trauma influences bodily awareness and mental health outcomes.

This research underscores the importance of addressing emotional aspects of childhood maltreatment and promoting emotional well-being through targeted interventions, fostering healthier outcomes for affected individuals.

Source: Medical Xpress