SCHOOL-BASED EXAMINATION YEAR:

CSEC ENGLISH A/B

ASSESSMENT 2023

CHILD CANDIDATE’S NAME: Akeelah Green

ABUSE
CANDIDATE’S NUMBER: 1000610885
SUB-TOPIC: Psychological Impact of
Child Abuse on Young Teens
TEACHER: Miss Welsh
CENTRE NUMBER: 100061
CENTRE NAME: Knox College
TERRITORY: Jamaica
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Without the help and participation of many people, this study would not have been able to be

completed successfully. As a result, I would want to thank my group's members for their

tremendous assistance and the time they invested in deciphering the information offered and

working together. My family has always been a continual source of support and encouragement.

I appreciate my guardians freeing me from domestic responsibilities so I could focus on my

study. My mother was a huge help in gathering information and locating the relevant antiques.

A special thank you to Miss Welsh, my English language teacher, who has helped me through

every step of this research.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgement …...…………………………………………………….…………… PAGE 2

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………….…………… PAGE 3

Plan of Investigation ……………………………………………………….…………… PAGE 4

Artifact One ……………………..………………………………………….…………… PAGE 5

Artifact Two ……………………………………………………………….…...…… PAGES 6-8

Artifact Three …………………………………………………………….…....…… PAGES 9-11

Reflection One ………………………………………………………….….……...…… PAGE 12

Reflection Two …………………………………………………………..….……..…… PAGE 13

Reflection Three ……………………………………….………………..….……..…… PAGE 14

Written Report ……………………………………………………..….….…..…… PAGES 15-16

Oral Presentation …………...…………………………………………..….……..…… PAGE 17

References …………………………………………………………….....….……..…… PAGE 18

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PLAN OF INVESTIGATION

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE THEMATIC TOPIC

My group's topic for this English School Based Assessment is 'Child Abuse'. I will be focusing

on the 'Mental/Psychological Impact on Child Abuse'. I became interested in this topic after

seeing the rising number of suicides, particularly among young people. Many children are

subjected to various forms of abuse, which can have long-term consequences and force the

victim to withdraw from society. To complete my investigation, I will go online, select and

utilize two written articles and a poem related to my subtopic. This School Based Assessment

will help me broaden my vocabulary and strengthen my research and reasoning skills as an

English student. It will also heighten my awareness of this social issue and provide

opportunities for me to offer solutions to this problem.

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ARTIFACT ONE

“A CRY FOR HELP" (2013) [POEM]

A child so small How does one heal

so vulnerable and weak from such a horrible crime?
helpless, powerless The scars, the damage
not allowed to speak. lasts a lifetime.

Lying awake in bed Emotionally I struggle

knowing he'll soon appear to make it through Not knowing why
Frightened and trapped living a I feel and act the way I do.
torturous nightmare.
The tragedy is over
Body is shaking but the turmoil is still there
trembling within I wonder, if my outbursts
preparing for is a way to see if anyone cares.
the terrible acts of sin.
Please! God help me
Left all alone I cry out
with no one in sight with so much anguish fear and doubt.
The abused child cries silently all
through the night.

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ARTIFACT TWO

“KIDS AND EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE” (2022) [WRITTEN

ARTICLE]

One of the most prevalent forms of child abuse is emotional/psychological abuse, in which a

parent or caregiver engages in behavior, speech and actions that have a negative impact on a

child's wellbeing and development. Officially, the United States considers emotional abuse to be

a "a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self- worth."

While this type of abuse may not leave the same injuries and scars as physical abuse, emotional

abuse can be devastating to a child's development and lead to lifelong problems that persist into

adulthood. Emotional abuse is considered one of the most underreported forms of child abuse.

What is Emotional Abuse?

Emotional abuse may include insulting a child or engaging in persistent name-calling,

threatening violence towards a child even where the threat is not carried out, allowing children to

witness emotional abuse of others and allowing children to use drugs and alcohol. Emotional

abuse can also include indifference to a child's needs, humiliation of the child when he or she

fails at a task, denigrating the child and neglecting the child.

Emotional abuse can be present in all categories of families, however it is statistically most likely

to occur in families that are suffering from financial difficulties, single-parent households,

families that are going through a divorce and families in which there are substance abuse issues.

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Even great parents will occasionally yell at their children or become angry in times of stress.

However, when this type of behaviour is consistent a child can suffer the long-term effects of

emotional child abuse.

There are six recognized types of emotional abuse, including:

1. Rejecting - Communicating to a child through words and conduct that he or she is unwanted

and/or worthless.

2. Ignoring - Withholding affection or showing little or no interest in a child.

3. Threatening - Using threats, cursing and yelling at children.

4. Isolating - Prohibiting a child from engaging in appropriate activities with friends or keeping

a child away from human contact.

5. Corrupting - Exposing a child to drugs, alcohol, criminal behaviour or inappropriate sexual

conduct.

6. Exploiting - Manipulating a child into a forced activity or responsibility without regard for the

child's development.

Effects of Childhood Emotional Abuse

Recent studies by the American Psychological Association have found that the effects of

emotional abuse can be severe on a child's health and development. In fact, the APA has

concluded that children who suffer emotional abuse and neglect can sometimes have more severe

mental health issues than children who suffer physical or sexual abuse.

Children who experience chronic emotional abuse can suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-

esteem, PTSD and suicide. Childhood emotional abuse is strongly correlated with depression,

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anxiety disorders, attachment problems and substance abuse. When physical or sexual abuse is

accompanied by emotional abuse, the effects on the child can be significantly more severe.

Emotional abuse can also lead to an enhanced risk of health problems as an adult. A recent

Purdue University study has linked childhood emotional abuse with a higher risk of developing

cancer as an adult.

Legal Effects of Emotional Abuse

Unlike physical or sexual abuse, emotional abuse of a child can be extremely difficult to

establish definitively. A child who is emotionally abused may not have prominent bruises or

broken bones but the effects can be just as devastating. Without clear-cut evidence of abuse, law

enforcement and child protective services may be unable or unwilling to intervene in cases

involving yelling or humiliating a child. However, where there are clear signs of neglect or

where a child has been threatened with violence, law enforcement can take action and parents or

other caregivers can be charged criminally.

Child protective services agencies may intervene and involve parents in educational

programming or counseling to instruct about the impact of emotional abuse and to help change

emotionally abusive behavior and habits. In many cases, emotional abuse may be a precursor to

other forms of abuse and should be taken very seriously.

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ARTIFACT THREE

“LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT” (2019)

[WRITTEN ARTICLE] (PAGES 1 & 3)

Page 1 | Aside from the immediate physical injuries children can experience through

maltreatment, a child's reactions to abuse or neglect can have lifelong and even intergenerational

impacts. Childhood maltreatment can be linked to later physical, psychological, and behavioral

consequences as well as costs to society as a whole. These consequences may be independent of

each other, but they also may be interrelated. For example, abuse or neglect may stunt physical

development of the child's brain and lead to psychological problems, such as low self- esteem,

which could later lead to high-risk behaviors, such as substance use. The outcomes for each child

may vary widely and are affected by a combination of factors, including the child's age and

developmental status when the maltreatment occurred; the type, frequency, duration, and severity

of the maltreatment; and the relationship between the child and the perpetrator. Additionally,

children who experience maltreatment often are affected by other adverse experiences (e.g.,

parental substance use, domestic violence, poverty), which can make it difficult to separate the

unique effects of maltreatment (Rosen, Handley, Cicchetti, & Rogosch, 2018).

Page 3 | Psychological Consequences

Child abuse and neglect can cause a variety of psychological problems. Maltreatment can cause

victims to feel isolation, fear, and distrust, which can translate into lifelong psychological

consequences that can manifest as educational difficulties, low self-esteem, depression, and

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trouble forming and maintaining relationships. Researchers have identified links between child

abuse and neglect and the following psychological outcomes.

Diminished executive functioning and cognitive skills. Disrupted brain development as a result

of maltreatment can cause impairments to the brain's executive functions: working memory, self-

control, and cognitive flexibility (i.e., the ability to look at things and situations from different

perspectives) (Kavanaugh, Dupont-Frechette, Jerskey, & Holler, 2016). Children who were

maltreated also are at risk for other cognitive problems, including difficulties learning and paying

attention (Bick & Nelson, 2016).

Poor mental and emotional health. Experiencing childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for

depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders throughout adulthood. Studies have found

that adults with a history of ACEs had a higher prevalence of suicide attempts then those who

did not (Choi, DiNitto, Marti, & Segal, 2017; Fuller-Thomson, Baird, Dhrodia, & Brennenstuhl,

2016). (For additional information about ACEs, see the Federal Research on Adverse Childhood

Experiences section later in this factsheet.) Further, adults with major depression who

experienced abuse as children had poorer response outcomes to antidepressant treatment,

especially if the maltreatment occurred when they were aged 7 or younger (Williams, Debattista,

Duchemin, Schatzberg, & Nemeroff, 2016).

Attachment and social difficulties. Infants in foster care who have experienced maltreatment

followed by disruptions in early caregiving can develop attachment disorders. Attachment

disorders can negatively affect a child's ability to form positive peer, social, and romantic

relationships later in life (Doyle & Cicchetti, 2017). Additionally, children who experience abuse

or neglect are more likely to develop antisocial traits as they grow up, which can lead to criminal

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behavior in adulthood (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute

of Justice, 2017).

Posttraumatic stress. Children who experienced abuse or neglect can develop posttraumatic

stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by symptoms such as persistent re-experiencing

of the traumatic events related to the abuse; avoiding people, places, and events that are

associated with their maltreatment; feeling fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame; startling easily;

and exhibiting hypervigilance, irritability, or other changes in mood (Sege et al., 2017). PTSD in

children can lead to depression, suicidal behavior, substance use, and oppositional or defiant

behaviors well into adulthood, which can affect their ability to succeed in school, and create and

nurture important relationships.

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REFLECTION ONE

HOW EACH PIECE AIDED IN SHAPING MY PERSPECTIVE ON THE

MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON CHILD ABUSE

My first artifact is a poem by Barbara Green called "A Cry for Help" (2013), which tells the

story of a woman who was sexually assaulted as a young child. I was compassionate for the

woman and her emotional state. It demonstrates to me the mental and emotional effects of

maltreatment on children, even at a young age.

My second artifact, entitled "Kids and Emotional/Psychological Abuse" (2022), states the severe

effects abuse has on children. It emphasizes the main effects of child maltreatment. Furthermore,

I recognize that different types of abuse do not alter the possibility of problems

for children.

My final artifact is another website with the heading “Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse

and Neglect” (2019). It describes the terrible and protracted impact that abuse and neglect can

have on a child. After scanning my artifacts, I now fully realize the seriousness of child abuse

and how adversely it may harm its victim.

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REFLECTION TWO

THE VARIOUS LANGUAGE DEVICES USED IN MY CHOSEN PIECES

The poem "A Cry for Help" (2013) used Standard English and emotive language that let me

fully comprehend the poet's emotion. The poet uses it to evoke sentiments of innocence and

empathy while pushing me to put myself in her position and imagine the suffering she endured

while powerless to stop it.

My second artifact, "Kids and Emotional/Psychological Abuse" (2022), used repetition. It

regularly makes reference to the term "emotional abuse" in order to help me grasp the major

topic of the article. It aids in bringing abuse victims into the open and highlights

the message.

In my final piece entitled, "Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect" (2022), use

of evidence was present. When corroborated to real circumstances, they aid in my understanding

of this particular subject matter and provide clarity in my research. Through the information and

proof presented, it was made plausible and real.

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REFLECTION THREE

WHAT IMPACT HAS THE ENGLISH SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT HAD ON

MY DEVELOPMENT AS A PERSON

Working on this School Based Assessment has been really beneficial to me. Researching child

abuse has made me a better person and motivated me to encourage and assist people who have

experienced this kind of abuse. Reading articles and blogs while conducting the research

helped me in diverse ways. I am more aware of how common child abuse is in society,

therefore it was beneficial. This research has helped me to enhance my leadership skills. I am

more responsible. I have developed more collaborating skills, and thoughts processes have

been heightened. Finally, I have become more empathetic to the psychological and mental

effects of child abuse.

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GROUP WRITTEN REPORT

AN OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH’S METHODS, PROCEDURES AND

OUTCOMES

Group Members: Akeelah Green, Janeilia Brown, Kedesha Bailey, Lanique McCarthy, Travis

Clarke

I made the decision to assemble people with comparable interests and a good level of

expertise on the subject of "Child Abuse" in order to construct this portfolio. In this manner, I

would receive support for my topic's data collection and analysis. We utilized the Divide and

Conquer tactic to assign each team member a distinct but important assignment to complete.

We gathered during class to talk about and select the artifacts that best fit our main topic. Our

group ultimately opted to select a blog post, an internet article, and a poem to respond to the

following questions:

1. Can childhood trauma affect an adult's ability to form relationships?

2. How can child abuse affect how the brain develops?

Google was used for all three articles. Each piece of information led us to the same

conclusion: Child Abuse is harmful and must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent

disaster. Overall, after much investigation, all of us had a better understanding of the subject at

hand.

We discovered that child abuse has an effect on adult relationships, causing victims to

think and act differently. Maltreatment affects and shifts their perception of their physical,

emotional, and spiritual senses; they struggle to understand boundaries, potentially damaging

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the connection (Tikvah Lake, 2020 & Barkley, 2022). They feel as if a “wall” has been built

around them, making it difficult to express their feelings (Quayle, 2015). Trauma stunts a

person's growth and development, influencing who they become (Tikvah Lake, 2020; Barkley,

2022; Quayle, 2015). Adults who have buried their past of child abuse, on the other hand, may

behave differently than others, such as engaging in unhealthy behaviours or being unable to

achieve a sense of security (Quayle, 2015 & Tikvah Lake, 2020).

It was determined that traumatizing experiences from the past have a significant impact on

how a child's brain will develop (Tikvah Lake, 2020). Early life events influence brain

circuitry development and contribute to the make-up of a person's IQ, emotions, and

personality. The brain may become conditioned to expect fear from every direction if it

experiences constant physical or mental trauma. Children who have experienced trauma or who

are raised in an unhealthy environment often struggle to understand how to act in adult

relationships (Barkley, 2022). Some of these children may also be reluctant to seek help, which

could have even more negative effects (Quayle, 2015). The victim may even be forced into

unhealthy relationships as a result of this irreversible change in the brain, which can also lead

to chronic stress and isolation (Tikvah Lake, 2020; Barkley, 2022; Quayle, 2015).

Additionally, each of the three parts exposed the public to the concerns surrounding child

abuse for frank discussion.

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PLAN OF ORAL PRESENTATION

HOW THE GROUP INTENDS TO CARRY OUT THEIR CHOSEN SUB/TOPIC

Topic: “Child Abuse”

Genre: Dramatization (Skit)

Sources: Original Piece

Language Used: Mixture of Standard Jamaican English and Jamaican Creole

Main Idea: To highlight the various dimensions of child abuse and their interconnectedness.

Aids: D.I.Y. Signs, Desk, Chairs

Summary: Janeilia is portrayed as a victim of abuse. Her father, Travis, is violent. The ex-

boyfriend of Janeilia is Kedesha. The teacher is Lanique, and I played the guidance counsellor.

Following a tragic string of circumstances, Janeilia comes to see me as a guidance counsellor

to complain to me about the abuse she is experiencing at home. I empathized with her, gave

her assurance that I would seek assistance, report her father to the Child Development Agency,

and moved her into a new setting.

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REFERENCES

THE DIFFERENT SOURCES USED IN MY RESEARCH

Barbaba Green (August 2013). Poem About The Effects Of Child Abuse – A Cry For Help.

Retrieved from https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-cry-for-help

Michael E. Kraut (2022). Kids and Emotional / Psychological Abuse. Retrieved from

https://childsafety.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/kids-and-emotional-psychological-abuse.html

Child Welfare Information Gateway (April 2019). Long Term Consequences of Child Abuse

and Neglect. Retrieved from

https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/long_term_consequences.pdf

Tikvah Lake (May 2020). How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime. Retrieved

from https://www.tikvahlake.com/blog/how-childhood-trauma-affects-health-across-life/#

Tracy Quayle (June 2015). A Helpful Poem about Childhood Trauma & Abuse – THE LONELY

TRAVELLER. Retrieved from https://www.joondalupcounselling.com.au/joondalup-

counselling-blog/2016/2/11/a-helpful-poem-about-childhood-trauma-abuse

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Sarah Barkley (April 2022). How Childhood Trauma Impacts Adult Relationships, According

to Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.powerofpositivity.com/adult-relationships-

childhood-trauma/

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