Study Reveals Underestimated Cognitive Impact of Childhood Neglect

A new study suggests childhood abuse, particularly neglect, is linked to more cognitive difficulties in adulthood than previously believed. Researchers found biases in past studies due to reliance on self-reported abuse. The research highlights the need for identifying and supporting neglected youth to mitigate cognitive deficits.

Experiencing abuse as a child is related to more cognitive difficulties as an adult than previously thought, according to a new study.

Researchers at King's College London stated that previous studies underestimated cognitive difficulties linked to childhood maltreatment, especially neglect, due to biases from overly relying on self-reported abuse.

''Our study highlights the importance of identifying young people who have experienced neglect so that the proper support can be put in place, for example, to mitigate the negative consequences in education and employment,'' said Andrea Danese, co-author and professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at King's College London.