Last week, you saw how a single factor such as parental substance use can have significant effects on the biological development of a child. The way in which a parent/caregiver interacts with the child can also have lasting effects—this time, psychological. A caregiver’s warmth, presence, attentiveness, communication, parenting, and disciplinary styles all contribute to the child’s understanding of themselves and their place in the environment. Child abuse can not only harm a child physically but can also disrupt psychological development. However, with every child abuse claim, it is important to consider cultural aspects that may be at play.
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