True or False: Emotional abuse can damage a child’s brain as it develops.TrueFalse

True.

Emotional abuse can significantly affect a child's brain development. Research indicates that adverse experiences, such as emotional neglect or abuse, can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain. This impact can affect a child's ability to regulate emotions, cope with stress, and develop healthy relationships.

Children exposed to emotional abuse may experience increased levels of stress hormones, which can adversely affect brain areas critical for emotional regulation and cognitive functions, including the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Consequently, the repercussions of such abuse can manifest in various behavioral, social, and academic challenges throughout the child's life. Overall, emotional abuse is recognized as a serious form of maltreatment that can have lasting effects on mental health and development.