What psychological effect might a child experience as a result of witnessing parental conflicts?

When a child witnesses parental conflicts, the experience can significantly impact their emotional and psychological development. Emotional detachment is a common psychological effect observed in these situations. Children exposed to ongoing conflicts may learn to suppress their emotions as a coping mechanism, which can lead to a lack of connection with their own feelings and those of others. This detachment occurs as a way to protect themselves from the stress and anxiety generated by the conflicts, causing them to disengage not only from the situation but potentially from their relationships as well.

Witnessing conflicts can create an environment filled with tension and instability, leading children to believe that emotional expression or attachment might result in pain or disappointment. This learned behavior can carry into later life, making it challenging for individuals to form healthy relationships or empathize with others, as they may struggle to understand or relate to emotional experiences.