B – 25 Neuropsychological Effects of Child Abuse on Parenting

Abstract Objective This review explores how childhood abuse affects later parenting behaviors through neuropsychological mechanisms, emphasizing the roles of emotional regulation, attachment, and stress response systems. The objective is to identify how specific abuse histories—sexual or physical—manifest in differing parental behaviors and outcomes. Method Data were drawn primarily from the longitudinal Children in the Community study, which followed participants for approximately 30 years. Selection focused on empirical research linking child maltreatment to later parenting outcomes, including neurobiological correlates such as alterations in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Results Findings reveal that a history of sexual abuse is associated with emotional disengagement, decreased parental availability, and reduced responsiveness, while physical abuse history correlates with more active but disciplinarian parenting styles. These behavioral patterns are supported by evidence of altered neural functioning, affecting stress regulation and emotional attunement. Heightened stress reactivity and impaired attachment were common in those with trauma histories. Conclusion Childhood maltreatment exerts lasting neuropsychological effects that impact parenting, perpetuating cycles of trauma. Trauma-informed parenting interventions, supported by neuroscience and psychological insights, show promise in breaking these intergenerational patterns. Continued research and policy initiatives are necessary to support parents with trauma histories and promote healthier family outcomes.