If you think the abuse suffered by many athletes does little harm, think again.
Studies have shown that among the many effects of physical abuse are
depression
anxiety
cognitive and learning difficulties, even a lowering of IQ (especially verbal IQ)
disordered sleep
flashbacks
loss of empathy
aggressive behavior
chronically high stress levels which can lead to chronic health effects such as high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and
In general, victims of abuse are more likely to develop self-esteem problems, to marry abusive spouses, and to abuse their own spouses because have learned that verbal abuse unleashed for a "good cause" is always justified. According to experts, physical abuse and violence can also lead to:
Obsessive and compulsive behaviors with regard to excessive training
Eating disorders relating to diets imposed in certain sports
Self-injurious behaviors or risk-taking resulting in accidents and injury
Witness abuse can cause damage too
Several studies have shown that witnessing abuse can have similarly devastating effects. Children who witness their mothers' abuse are more likely to abuse their children even if not actually abused themselves.
In extreme cases children who have strong reactions to viewing violence or aggression can develop post-traumatic stress disorder, experiencing such symptoms as nightmares or flashbacks, routine avoidance of reminders of the event, increased sleep disturbances, irritability, poor concentration, startle reaction and regressive behavior.
Not only can abuse or witnessing parental misconduct turn off a child to exercise and participation in sports, preventing the development of a healthy adult lifestyle, but it can adversely affect a child's ability to learn, increase the likelihood that the child will engage during adolescence in unhealthy behaviors, including suicidal behavior, and delinquent and aggressive behaviors. It also been linked to adverse health outcomes in adulthood, including mood and anxiety disorders and diseases.
Adapted from the book, Home Team Advantage: The Critical Role of Mothers in Youth Sports [1](HarperCollins 2006) by Brooke de Lench.
Links:
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Home-Team-Advantage-Critical-Mothers/dp/0060881631/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215016645&sr=8-1