Trauma can have significant and lasting effects on an individual’s mental and physical health. Among the various forms of trauma, father abandonment has been shown to profoundly impact the psychological well-being and identity formation of black or African-American women (Ford et al., 2015). In this blog post, we will delve into the health outcomes resulting from trauma, explicitly focusing on the consequences of father abandonment. Furthermore, we will explore the links between past trauma, problem behaviors, chronic medical conditions, and a reduction in life expectancy, highlighting why healthcare providers should care about this topic.
Health Outcomes of Father Abandonment
Psychological Well-being: Father abandonment can lead to emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of rejection. These feelings may persist into adulthood and impact overall mental well-being. Marici et al., (2023) researchers look into how feelings of guilt and shame develop in a sample of 230 young people who have experienced parental abandonment. Abuse and paternal rejection are found to be connected with shame, indicating that a child’s environment has a substantial impact on the development of shame. The research highlights the need to provide social work support for abandoned children and teenagers and to take into account their developmental problems.
Problem Behaviors: Abandonment by a father has been linked to an increased risk of substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, and criminal activity in adulthood (Broekhof et al., 2023). These actions could be a means of coping with the loss of a father figure or an attempt to replace him.
Chronic Medical Conditions: Trauma, including father abandonment, has been associated with the development of chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders (Dube et al., 2009). The combination between mental strain, maladaptive coping strategies, and innate susceptibilities can manifest in a variety of physical health problems.
Reduction in Life Expectancy: The cumulative effects of trauma, including father abandonment, can contribute to a reduction in life expectancy (Yaribeygi et al., 2017). People’s general health can suffer as a result of chronic stress, which also increases the risk of premature death.
Why Healthcare Providers Should Care
Providers of medical care are vital to meeting the health needs of their patients. Healthcare providers can better meet the unique psychological and cultural needs of black women if they have a firm grasp on the ways in which trauma, and specifically paternal abandonment, shape these patients’ experiences. Problem behaviors, mental health outcomes, and the onset of chronic physical illnesses can all greatly benefit from the identification and treatment of traumatic experiences. Medical professionals can better aid their patients in their recovery and general well-being by adopting trauma-informed care techniques.
Ultimately, trauma, especially father abandonment, can have far-reaching consequences for the psychological well-being and identity formation of black women. Understanding the link between past trauma and ongoing problem behaviors, chronic medical conditions, and reduced life expectancy is essential for healthcare providers. By recognizing and addressing the effects of trauma, healthcare professionals can provide more effective and compassionate care, ultimately contributing to the holistic wellness of their patients.
Are you a healthcare provider looking to enhance your understanding of trauma and its impact on patients’ health outcomes? Join our comprehensive training program on trauma-informed care, designed to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to provide compassionate and effective care to individuals affected by trauma. Sign up today and make a difference in the lives of your patients!
References
Broekhof, R., Nordahl, H. M., Tanum, L., & Selvik, S. G. (2023). Adverse childhood experiences and their association with substance use disorders in adulthood: A general population study (Young-HUNT). Addictive Behaviors Reports, 17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100488
Dube, S. R., Fairweather, D., Pearson, W. S., Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., & Croft, J. B. (2009). Cumulative Childhood Stress and Autoimmune Diseases in Adults. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(2), 243. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181907888
Ford, J. D., Grasso, D. J., Elhai, J. D., & Courtois, C. A. (2015). Social, cultural, and other diversity issues in the traumatic stress field. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 503-546. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801288-8.00011-X
Marici, M., Clipa, O., Runcan, R., & Pîrghie, L. (2023). Is Rejection, Parental Abandonment or Neglect a Trigger for Higher Perceived Shame and Guilt in Adolescents? Healthcare, 11(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121724
PACEs Science 101. (2023, January 25). ACEs Too High. https://acestoohigh.com/aces-101/
Yaribeygi, H., Panahi, Y., Sahraei, H., Johnston, T. P., & Sahebkar, A. (2017). The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI Journal, 16, 1057-1072. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2017-480
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