Abstract

Background: Psychological abuse is one of the growing concerns for serious health consequences. The Saudi National Family Safety Registry for 2011 reported a total of 616 cases of child abuse, out of which 76 cases were related to emotional abuse. Parents have been identified as the perpetrators of emotional abuse in about 77% of all cases. To the best of authors' knowledge, there is meager information regarding psychological abuse among adolescents in Riyadh. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological abuse among adolescents in Riyadh and its association with their mental and physical health.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 695 school and university students. A questionnaire was distributed to the participants, comprised of five sections, and included questions about personal information, psychological abuse, eating disorders, autoimmune diseases, and emotional status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.
Results: Data analysis revealed that adolescents who experienced emotional abuse during childhood showed a statistically significant association with disturbed mood than adolescents who did not experience child abuse. Eating disorders were also found to be higher among abused adolescents.
Conclusion: The study findings found significantly higher eating disorders and emotional disturbances among psychologically abused adolescents.

Key words: Psychological Abuse, Adolescents, Mental Health, Physical Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.