The Effects of Child Abandonment

According to the Child Trauma Academy, abandonment of a child is a form of neglect. (Ref. 1.) The damage done by abandonment in childhood may not be reversible, and the children involved are more apt to suffer from some of the problems below.

  1. Relationships

    • Many children have been abandoned by their parents.

      Forming meaningful relationships can be a problem throughout the abandoned person's life, making it impossible for her to be close to parents, siblings and others.

    Agression

    • Violent acts are not uncommon in abandonment cases. The person may become violent toward others, or to himself. In some cases, suicide may feel like an option to the person.

    Criminal Behavior

    • Abandonment in childhood can lead to criminal behavior from an early age and into adulthood. Stealing is one of many possible offenses, causing trouble within families and the community.

    Low Self-Esteem

    • Self-esteem problems are evident in those people who have been abandoned. Feeling as though they are no good is a real issue that they face.

    Trust Issues

    • Trust can be impossible for a person with abandonment issues. They may feel that people will always lie to them. They may find it difficult to believe that people will follow through with things. Continually fearing that people in their lives will leave them is another concern.

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