The Psychological Effects of Being Yelled At (2024)

Being yelled at has significant effects on both the body and the brain. The trauma response to being yelled at includes increased activity in the amygdala (the emotional response part of our brains), increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and increased muscle tension.

Living with verbal abuse from a parent, spouse, or loved one can change how you think about yourself. Verbal abuse usually involves using psychological force to cause emotional pain.

This article will provide an overview of the trauma responses to being yelled at and how to cope with them.

Can You Be Traumatized By Yelling?

Yelling is a common occurrence in most households, and it’s estimated that about 90% of American parents have reported using harsh verbal discipline at least once. The purpose of yelling is usually to control another person’s behavior, using psychological force to cause emotional pain or discomfort.

Severe verbal discipline takes yelling to a new level and is more harmful. It may include swearing, cursing, name-calling, or insulting. Severe verbal discipline has been associated with conduct problems in children and adolescents. It may also lead to higher physical aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems.

Over time, verbal abuse can be traumatizing for children and adults alike. To protect yourself from the psychological harm of being yelled at, talk with a trusted healthcare provider, social worker, or teacher about how to address the situation.

The Psychological Effects of Being Yelled At

There are several psychological effects of being yelled at, and they can vary by individual experience.

Anxiety

Children who grow up in a house with frequent yelling are more likely to develop anxiety in adolescence. This may be due to the higher levels of stress they experience.

Depression

Yelling frequently can lead to depression in teenagers. Studies show that when parents use severe verbal discipline on 13-year-olds, those teens are more likely to develop behavioral problems and symptoms of depression.

Stress

It’s not surprising to learn that being yelled at is a stressful experience. Harsh verbal punishment leads to chronic stress over time. Yelling is also stressful for the yellers themselves. Research shows that parental yelling can lead to behavioral problems in adolescents. At the same time, adolescents who display behavioral problems raise the risk of parents yelling to address the behavior.

Autonomic Arousal

People who are frequently yelled at tend to be in a state of autonomic arousal most of the time. Autonomic arousal includes the “fight or flight” response. For example, you may notice a faster heart rate or shallow breathing. A study found that children and teens who are anxious experience autonomic arousal.Chronic autonomic arousal can lead to problems with muscle tension, gastrointestinal symptoms like reflux and bloating, and even cardiovascular risks like heart attack and stroke.

Behavioral Problems

Yelling can affect the behavioral and emotional development of adolescents. Teenagers who are regularly yelled at are more likely to have conduct problems. This can lead to more yelling from parents to control the behavior.

Interpersonal Problems

Being yelled at can lead to interpersonal problems for adolescents. Children and teens yelled at by their parents develop a biased view of their parent-child relationship. They tend not to trust their parents as much as other children do. Adolescents with a history of verbal abuse are more likely to be suspicious of and aggressive toward others.

Low Self-Esteem

When you are yelled at frequently, it can affect how you see yourself. Adolescents tend to adopt negative views of themselves when a parent uses insults in their yelling. For example, if a parent repeatedly told you that you were lazy, you would likely adopt this belief about yourself.

Sleep Issues

It’s common for those who are frequently yelled at to have problems with their sleep. Adolescents who are verbally abused report trouble both falling and staying asleep. Individuals who experience anxiety and stress are also more likely to have sleep problems.Long-term sleep problems can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disruption, and type 2 diabetes.

Adjustment Issues

Being yelled at over time can lead to issues with adjustment and attachment. Individuals subjected to harsh verbal punishment at age 13 are more likely to develop conduct problems and depressive symptoms at age 14. Yelling causes decreased self-confidence, which can also cause individuals to become less social.

Physical Health Problems

In addition to the psychological harm, yelling also leads to physical health problems. A study found that severe verbal punishment, like insulting a child, is linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and asthma in adulthood.

How Does Yelling Affect the Brain?

Being yelled at can change the brain over time. For example, one study found that individuals who experienced verbal abuse from their parents had changes in the development of structures and the neural pathways in the brain. This can lead to cognitive and emotional problems.

Why Do People Yell?

There are several reasons why someone might yell. Yelling is often used to try to control another person or situation. Yelling may also be used as a discipline by parents, teachers, or coaches.

An individual may use yelling to try to assert themselves or gain attention. Research shows that yelling is rarely a single event. Most people who yell tend to do it frequently.

Avoiding Yelling at Others

After reviewing all the harm that yelling can cause, you may feel ashamed of times when you have yelled in the past. While we all lose our tempers from time to time, it is possible to yell less.

To avoid yelling, it’s important to stay aware of your own emotions and notice when you’re feeling angry or out of control. When you notice these feelings come up, try one of the following techniques:

• Try to listen more than you talk.
• Practice empathy for the other person.
• Speak slower and softer than you usually would.
• Make your expectations clear.
• Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed.

Coping With the Effects of Being Yelled At

Being yelled at is emotionally draining, and the effects can be long-lasting. Thus, it’s important to get the help you need. First, consider meeting with a therapist or psychologist to cope with the verbal abuse and plan how to handle it. Other ways to take care of yourself include:

• Taking care of your body by eating healthy foods, finding ways to be active, and getting enough sleep
• Practicing mindfulness and relaxation exercises
• Finding supportive people to talk with when you need help
  

Summary

Being yelled at has significant effects on both the body and the brain. The psychological effects of being yelled at include anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems. Other psychological effects of being yelled at include stress, autonomic arousal, behavioral problems, low self-esteem, and sleep problems. To yell less, focus on staying aware of your emotions and getting help when you’re overwhelmed.