Understanding Verbal Bullying And Its Harmful Effects
Bullying affects many adults, adolescents, and children. It may result in emotional or physical hurt and consequences, which may last a long time. It can also cause mental health conditions and symptoms. Understanding bullying and the different forms that can occur may be beneficial in preventing it in your life or the life of someone about whom you care.
This article explores facts about bullying, what verbal bullying looks like, and how to prevent bullying.
What is verbal bullying?
Bullying often happens when someone uses strength or influence to force, coerce, or harm. In 2019, 22% of students aged 12-18 reported being bullied. The most common form of bullying for grade school children and adolescents was rumors and verbal bullying. A 2021 study by WBI US found that over 30% of US American adults have experienced workplace bullying, and 19% have witnessed it happening to someone else.
There are several types of bullying behavior, which can include physical bullying or abusive behaviors.* Those who experience physical, emotional or verbal bullying may wonder how to effectively address it and find support. Early prevention can be necessary for parents who witness signs of bullying in their children.
*If you’re a teen or child experiencing or witnessing abuse of any kind from a families or caregiver, reach out to the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature.
What verbal bullying can consist of
Verbal bullying is often intended to degrade or demean the target in some way. It may cause the bully to feel powerful or in control of their target. Verbal harassment may accompany physical, sexual, or emotional bullying or abuse.
A bully might use insults that target a specific child or adult due to their weight, gender, sexuality, race, appearance, or another reason. Contact your local authorities if you suspect a hate crime has occurred or believe it may occur.
How does verbal bullying affect people and mental health?
Verbal abuse and bullying can affect individuals in varying ways. It might cause self-esteem concerns, stress, or mental health symptoms. Studies show that bullying can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In modern society, a lot of bullying is done online, which is called cyberbullying. Children, adolescents, and adults may face unkind messages, long-term targeted online campaigns against them, posts about them, or rumors spread online. Although not audibly verbal, this form of bullying may be considered emotional or verbal bullying, as it often occurs through words, threats, and psychological control.
Effects of verbal bullying on children and adults
Bullying might make it challenging for kids and adolescents to focus and excel in school. It may also impact friendships and family life. Some individuals may experience physical harm alongside verbal bullying. However, all types of bullying can cause harm. In extreme cases, verbal bullying can result in suicidal thoughts.
In adults, verbal bullying may cause the following symptoms:
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety along with feelings of sadness or loneliness
- Changes in sleep and eating habits
- Thoughts of suicide
- Loss of interest in activities and socializing
- Calling out sick from work
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Thyroid problems
- Self-harming behaviors
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Increased blood pressure
The long-term effects of this type of behavior
The effects of childhood verbal bullying can carry into adulthood. Childhood is a formative period and often involves making friends and learning how to socialize. Children or teens who faced bullying during this period may struggle to trust or make friends as an adult.
An adult who experienced verbal bullying as a child may continue to be affected by the messages they heard. For example, they might believe they are not beautiful or should change themselves. Those thoughts might impact how they interact with others personally and professionally. Some adults struggle with mental health conditions or stress. They may continue to enter unhealthy friendships or relationships as a repeat of patterns they faced as a child.
Why do people verbally bully?
What are the causes of bullying? The motives behind verbal bullying can vary. Some verbal bullies act out of hatred, a desire for control, or as a way to handle their own distressing emotions. Others might bully because their friends are doing it or because they feel scared of what they do not understand.
Although bullying can happen for many reasons, it can be dangerous and have harmful impacts. Prevention could be necessary if you or someone you know is involved, in any type of bullying. Verbal bullies may also engage in physical bullying and other forms of social bullying. Studies show that many bullies are uninformed childhood bullies or adults that were bullied as children. Anti-bullying education is an important aspect of bullying prevention.
What to do if your child is bullying others
It may be challenging to find out your child is bullying another child or children at school or in other social situations. In these cases, parents should take action as soon as possible to stop any type of bullying when they learn about it or notice signs. This is an important part of bullying prevention. Your child may not realize how dangerous verbal bullying (and bullying in general) can be, or they might be mimicking the behavior of their friends or peers.
Speak with your child about why bullying harms others. Highlight specific negative behaviors, like name calling, and explain how they can be harmful. You might include an educational video or book to help them understand. Teaching healthy conflict resolution strategies could help your child develop healthy communication when they feel wronged. Model healthy behavior by being proactive in communication at home, as studies show that children often mimic their parents’ behaviors.
How to handle verbal bullying from an adult
In many cases, adult forms of bullying qualify as abuse. If someone is treating you unkindly, report it if you are able. You might report the occurrence to an unknown HR line, your supervisor, your university advisor, or a leader of an organization. Document their bullying behaviors. If it becomes constant and unrelenting, it may qualify as harassment. Contact your local police department to file a report if you feel harassed or stalked.
What to do if your child is being bullied
If your child is being physically or verbally bullied at school, consider reporting the bullying to a school official, such as the principal, your child’s guidance counselor, and your child’s teachers. If the bullying continues, you might move your child to a new school or move them to a new class.
Talk about bullying with your child. Make sure to use the right language during your conversation (for example, those that experience verbal abuse should never be referred to as “victims of verbal bullying”). Tell your child that they can speak to you about anything, and inform them that bullying is not okay. They may feel safe coming to you if something happens at school or in another social situation. If you suspect bullying, talk to them about their day at school and watch for strange behavior, comments, or suspicious bruises. Other signs of bullying might include:
- Missing items
- Decreased mood
- Sleeping more often
- Feeling upset or crying about having to attend school or specific school activities
- Changes in appetite
- Not going to social events or parties with friends or fellow students
- Not wanting to complete homework
- Missing homework or destroyed belongings
- Hunger after school
- Frequent crying
- Panic attacks or fear
- Self-harm
Talk to your child about constructive ways to deal with verbal bullying and discuss negative reactions like retaliation. Let them know that getting “revenge” on a bully could worsen the situation, and encourage them to receive support by reaching out to a teacher or counselor when the verbal bullying occurs. Tell them to let you know immediately if they feel physically unsafe or suicidal.
How to prevent bullying and promote mental health as a teen or child
There are many organizations dedicated to stopping bullying before it causes long-term damage. StopBullying, a government website, offers tips to parents, teens, and children on preventing bullying, including the following:
- Confide in a trusted adult
- Avoid spots where bullying occurs
- Try to remain in areas populated by adults or close friends
- Defend those being bullied and stand up to other children who partake in bullying
- Educate other children about empathy and kindness
- Offer friendship or emotional support to those experiencing bullying
Finding professional help
If your child is affected by bullying, consider contacting a mental health professional. Even after the bullying stops, a survivor may seek help processing what occurred, which may cause long-term effects. Those who have bullied might also benefit from counseling, as well as adults who have been bullied or have partaken in unhealthy behaviors against others.
Many individuals seek professional support through in-person therapists or support groups for bullying. Through online therapy, you can decide between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your therapist. You may also attend therapy in a safe location with an internet connection, such as at home. Studies show that online therapy is especially effective for those who have experienced bullying in their lifetime.
Exploring internet-based treatment options for teens and adults
If you’re interested in trying an internet-based treatment modality, you might consider BetterHelp for those over 18 or TeenCounseling for those aged 13–19. Teens who sign up for TeenCounseling will need a parent or guardian’s approval to attend sessions. See below for client reviews of BetterHelp counselors.
Takeaway
What are the effects of verbal bullying and verbal harassment, according to research?
Several studies are showing that verbal bullying and verbal harassment can significantly affect an individual's well-being. In one example, researchers from Northeastern and Zhejiang Universities surveyed adolescent experiences of bullying across 65 countries. According to the data, victims of verbal bullying may face some of the following challenges:
Risky behaviors
Anxiety
Depression
Impaired academic achievement
Suicidal ideation/behavior
Self-harm
What are the intellectual effects of bullying and verbal abuse on those who are bullied?
Verbal abuse, especially chronic, sustained abuse, can have considerable impacts on an individual's intellectual functioning. Cognitively, it can disrupt memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, potentially causing learning, decision-making, and academic performance difficulties. Repeated verbal abuse often leads to a severely negative self-image when the brain internalizes messages, affecting areas of the brain related to self-perception, like the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).
What are the three mental effects of cyberbullying and physical bullying?
Cyberbullying and physical bullying has many potential effects on an individual's physical and mental state—among the most common of which is anxiety and depression. Like physical bullying, the persistent nature of cyberbullying can result in heightened levels of sustained stress and fear, leaving individuals feeling vulnerable and under constant threat. Over time, such mental states can result in chronic anxiety or depression.
Because it typically targets a person's physical appearance, abilities, or social status, cyberbullying can also cause lowered self-esteem and self-worth. Victims of bullying might internalize the attacks, developing prolonged feelings of shame and embarrassment. The constant harassment, humiliation, and isolation associated with cyberbullying can make individuals feel like they have no escape or support, leading to hopelessness and despair. As such, research has shown a strong correlation between cyberbullying and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, especially among adolescents.
How does verbal abuse affect children in the context of bullying prevention?
Verbal abuse is characterized by yelling, shouting, degradation, and threats. It can have profound and lasting effects on children, particularly in cases of adult-to-child abuse, impacting their emotional, psychological, and cognitive development. The ramifications of verbal abuse might be more profound than previously thought. Researchers are discovering that verbal abuse can be just as damaging to a child's development as more commonly recognized forms of abuse like physical and sexual abuse. Here are some of the fundamental ways verbal abuse can affect children:
Impact of verbal harassment on children's psychological well-being
Constant criticism, insults, and belittlement can seriously undermine a child's self-worth. They might believe they're unworthy of love or incapable of completing tasks and overcoming challenges. Such beliefs can persist into adulthood. Verbal abuse creates an environment of fear and uncertainty, leading to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The constant fear of being criticized can make children excessively anxious, hypervigilant, or withdrawn. Kids experiencing verbal abuse might struggle to manage their emotions, experiencing frequent mood swings, anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts.
Impact of verbal abuse on cognitive and developmental problems in bullied children
Exposure to verbal abuse during childhood can impact brain development, particularly in areas like the prefrontal cortex (responsible for self-regulation and decision-making and the hippocampus (responsible for memory and learning). It can also cause a child's brain to become hyper-sensitive to stress, affecting the amygdala (responsible for processing fear and emotional response) and leading to chronic anxiety and heightened reactivity to stressful situations. Because of its effects on cognitive development, verbal abuse can create difficulties with focusing in school, leading to decreased academic performance. Verbal abuse causes changes in the brain that might create problems with critical thinking and decision-making, further contributing to difficulties in school.
The social challenges faced by children who experience physical bullying
Children who are verbally abused might struggle to trust others, affecting their ability to form healthy, secure relationships. They might have attachment issues, becoming either overly dependent on others or excessively distant and guarded. Children exposed to verbal abuse may become socially withdrawn, leading to loneliness and isolation. Fear of rejection and vulnerability might make forming and maintaining friendships difficult.
Research shows that abused children might be more at risk for exhibiting bullying behaviors towards others, mimicking the aggression they experience. Some children might also respond to verbal abuse by acting out aggressively or defying authority as a method of coping. Such behavioral issues can cause significant problems for kids in social situations, sometimes into adulthood.
The long-term mental health challenges linked to the lack of bullying prevention during childhood
Verbal abuse during childhood is linked to a higher risk of developing mental disorders into adulthood. These include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), antisocial and borderline personality disorders, and alcohol/substance use disorders. Studies reveal that people who experienced abuse in childhood typically have earlier and more severe symptoms and poorer treatment responses with medications and psychotherapy.
Does verbal abuse cause trauma?
Yes, verbal abuse can cause trauma, particularly when it is persistent or occurs during vulnerable periods such as in childhood or adolescence. In cases where verbal abuse is sustained over long periods, especially during childhood, individuals may develop complex trauma (C-PTSD). This condition involves more severe emotional and psychological damage, including difficulties with self-esteem, relationships, and emotional regulation.
Victims of verbal abuse may develop hypervigilance, always on guard for potential verbal attacks, which can lead to anxiety and difficulty relaxing in everyday life. People who experience trauma from verbal abuse may suffer from sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, or helplessness in situations that remind them of the abuse. Individuals may mentally relive the verbal attacks, experience flashbacks, or avoid situations or people that remind them of the abuse. Finally, victims of verbal abuse often internalize the negative messages they hear, leading to persistent negative self-talk. This can cause ongoing emotional harm, creating patterns of self-doubt, guilt, or shame that can last into adulthood and contribute to emotional trauma.
How does verbal abuse affect the brain?
The emotional and psychological stress associated with verbal abuse can lead to changes in both brain structure and function. Here are some examples:
Studies indicate that chronic verbal abuse during ages when the brain is still maturing is associated with white matter and grey matter abnormalities in areas responsible for emotional regulation, sensory processing, language, and memory.
The amygdala, the brain's emotional center, is responsible for processing fear and threats. Verbal abuse can cause the amygdala to become overactive, leading to heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, and a constant state of "fight or flight."
Prolonged exposure to verbal abuse can shrink the hippocampus, which plays a critical role in memory formation and emotional regulation. This can impair the ability to form new memories and regulate emotions effectively.
Research suggests that exposure to verbal abuse, particularly during childhood, can disrupt the development of neural pathways involved in emotional regulation and executive function. This can lead to difficulties in managing emotions, impulsivity, and decision-making later in life.
Can verbal abuse cause personality disorder?
Personality disorders arise from a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, including verbal abuse. The American Psychological Association (APA) cites a study in which researchers found that children experiencing verbal abuse were "three times as likely as other children to have borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive or paranoid personality disorders in adulthood." Repeated verbal abuse can cause significant emotional harm, distorted thinking patterns, challenges with managing emotions, and unhealthy coping mechanisms—all of which are characteristic of personality disorders. Here are a few ways that verbal abuse and specific personality disorders may be linked:
The significant damage that verbal abuse can do to a person's self-worth and self-esteem might contribute to borderline personality disorder, where issues with identity, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships are central.
Issues with trust and attachment aren't uncommon for people with a history of verbal abuse. These issues can manifest as traits seen in paranoid personality disorder, where the individual becomes overly suspicious, or avoidant personality disorder, where one may become socially withdrawn due to fear of rejection.
Verbal abuse, particularly if it targets a child's sense of self-value, can lead some to develop narcissistic traits as a defense mechanism. They may compensate for profound feelings of inadequacy by adopting an inflated sense of self-importance or entitlement. While people with NPD often display grandiosity, this can mask fragile self-esteem damaged by early verbal abuse.
While verbal abuse can contribute to the development of personality disorders, it is not the sole cause. Genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and individual psychological responses all play a role. Some individuals exposed to verbal abuse may develop resilience or coping mechanisms, while others may be more vulnerable to developing personality disorders due to genetic or biological factors.
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