What is a potential mental health effect of abuse on a child?

The selection of higher levels of anxiety and withdrawal as a potential mental health effect of abuse on a child is well-supported by research in child psychology and trauma. Children who experience abuse may develop heightened anxiety due to the constant fear and instability that such environments create. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including becoming overly cautious, experiencing panic attacks, or having difficulty in social situations.

Additionally, withdrawal is a common response to abuse, where the child may retreat from social interactions as a protective mechanism. This withdrawal can be a sign of internal struggles, such as feelings of shame, confusion, or a sense of helplessness that often accompanies abusive experiences. The interplay of anxiety and withdrawal can further complicate a child's development, impacting their social skills, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.

In contrast, other options suggest positive or neutral characteristics (like increased resilience and enhanced problem-solving skills), which are generally not recognized as typical effects of abuse. Children forced to cope with trauma often struggle with emotional awareness instead of lacking it entirely, as abuse disrupts their ability to process emotions healthily. Thus, linking the choice of higher levels of anxiety and withdrawal to the adverse impacts of abuse aligns with established psychological understanding of how trauma affects children's mental health.