Abstract

Verbal abuse can cause significant harm to one’s mental health, negatively impacting executive function, cognitive development, and emotional regulation. Research suggests that exposure to verbal abuse, particularly during childhood and adolescence, can alter neurological pathways related to stress, memory, and impulse control, leading to long-term cognitive and emotional consequences. This article synthesizes findings from six general press articles published between 2010–2018 and 15 peer-reviewed studies from 2010–2020 to examine the psychological, neurological, and relational effects of verbal abuse, particularly among youth. By integrating perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, and social science, this review provides an interdisciplinary analysis of how verbal abuse influences relationship dynamics across different contexts, that is, within families, between intimate partners, and across generations. Preliminary findings indicate that a majority of high school students have either witnessed or experienced verbal abuse within their households, reinforcing its widespread nature.

Studies show chronic exposure to verbal aggression can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, which govern decision-making, emotional regulation, and stress responses. As a result, individuals who have experienced verbal abuse are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and difficulties unemotional processing. This review also explores the link between verbal abuse and the perpetuation of abusive behaviors, demonstrating that those exposed to verbal aggression in childhood are more likely to engage in or tolerate abusive relationships in adulthood. While this review provides valuable insights into the long-term consequences of verbal abuse, future studies should further explore how economic, social, and cultural factors shape its prevalence and impact, as well as the potential for early intervention strategies to mitigate its neurological and psychological effects.

Keywords: verbal abuse, psychological impact, domestic violence, trauma, mental health

How to Cite:

Tawakkol, A., (2025) “The Psychological Impact of Verbal Abuse: A Scientific Literature Review”, Arizona Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 11(1), 38-52.