Verbal Abuse as a Predictor of Emotional Stability and Personal Growth among Young Adults

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the impact of verbal abuse on emotional stability and personal growth among young adults. Experiences of verbal abuse can strongly influence how young adults manage their emotions and how they grow as individuals. When people are repeatedly speaking in hurtful or insulting ways, it may weaken their emotional balance and limit their ability to develop confidence, resilience, and personal growth.  A correlational survey design with convenience sampling was employed. The sample consisted of 300 male and female students aged 16 to 26 years. Data were collected using the Verbal Abuse Scale by Manderin and Banton (1994), It also has an Urdu translation that Rabia and Razar (2017) relied on in their research. The Emotional Stability subscale of the NEO-FFI by Costa and McCrae (1992), and the Personal Growth Scale by Robitshek (1998). Results indicated that verbal abuse was negatively correlated with both Emotional Stability and Personal Growth. Linear regression analyses further showed that Verbal Abuse significantly predicted lower levels of Emotional Stability and Personal Growth. Additionally, independent samples t-test results revealed significant gender differences among the study variables. Limitations, future recommendations, and practical implications of the findings are discussed.