# Religiously justified childhood abuse linked to higher adult anxiety Abuse justified by religious teachings is associated with greater anxiety and depression in adulthood. - **Source:** [Reddit Science](https://brifing.si/source/1294ffb3-9f44-431d-8cd2-05584c8d9014) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d00dde5e-7bd2-42fc-9917-f60f18f2f6cd ## Impact of religiously justified abuse Research shows that childhood abuse justified by religious teachings is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and anger in adulthood. This significantly impacts the long-term psychological health of victims. ## Comparison with secular abuse Individuals who experienced religiously justified abuse report more severe psychological issues compared to those who experienced secular abuse. This highlights the traumatic effects of religious justification. ## Long-term consequences of trauma Childhood abuse can lead to emotional and psychological problems in adulthood. Abuse justified by religious teachings deepens these effects. ## Role of religious teachings Religious teachings that justify abuse increase feelings of guilt and helplessness in victims, complicating the psychological recovery process. ## Need for societal awareness Raising awareness about the psychological effects of religiously justified abuse can help victims access support. Public education and awareness play a critical role in this. ## Support and recovery process Psychological support and therapeutic interventions are crucial for victims of religiously justified abuse. Professional help can effectively reduce the impact of trauma during the recovery process. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/1v4do4a/religionjustified_childhood_abuse_linked_to/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._