Childhood Emotional Abuse and Adult Communication: Implications for Interpersonal and Organisational Interaction

Abstract

Childhood emotional abuse is a form of adverse interpersonal experience that may have lasting implications for communication and relationship dynamics in adulthood. While previous research has predominantly examined its psychological and mental health consequences, less attention has been given to how such experiences may shape communication behaviours that are relevant to interpersonal and organisational interaction. Guided by Carl Rogers' Humanistic Theory of Personality Development, this study examines the perceived factors contributing to childhood emotional abuse and its perceived effects on adult communication, with particular consideration of interpersonal interaction and its potential implications for organisational contexts. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed using a structured questionnaire comprising 34 closed-ended items, including demographic questions and five-point Likert-scale measures. Data were collected through online distribution using convenience sampling, involving 250 respondents. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores to examine respondents' perceptions of childhood emotional abuse, its contributing factors, and its potential effects on adult communication and interaction. The findings indicate a high level of awareness of childhood emotional abuse, with 99.6% of respondents reporting awareness of the phenomenon. Furthermore, 83.6% reported experiencing emotional abuse during childhood, while 93.2% reported witnessing someone they knew experiencing such abuse. Threatening children was the most strongly recognised form of emotional abuse (M = 4.800), followed by persistent swearing (M = 4.616) and public criticism (M = 4.364). Poor understanding of child development recorded the highest perceived contributing factor (M = 4.540), followed by parental histories of childhood abuse or neglect (M = 4.400) and problematic household environments (M = 4.388). Regarding adult communication, difficulties expressing opinions and feelings (M = 4.532), communicating with unfamiliar individuals (M = 4.524), and managing anger during interpersonal disagreements (M = 4.500) received the highest mean scores. The findings suggest that early adverse interpersonal experiences may have implications for communication and relationship dynamics that extend into organisational environments, particularly in relation to interpersonal interaction, communication effectiveness, and workplace relationships. The study therefore provides a basis for further research on the individual factors underlying communication behaviour in organisational settings.