Secuelas emocionales en víctimas de abuso sexual en la primera infancia por parte de sus progenitores.

Abstract

Child sexual abuse constitutes a severe violation of human rights that generates profound emotional consequences, especially when perpetrated by parents during early childhood (0–6 years of age), a critical developmental stage characterized by rapid brain growth and the consolidation of cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Any traumatic experience can alter the child's emotional regulation, attachment, and sense of safety. Victims of parental sexual abuse exhibit maladaptive emotional responses such as anxiety, persistent fear, irritability, withdrawal, affective lability, hypersensitivity to signs of threat, and difficulties in establishing secure attachments. These early manifestations can evolve into later disorders, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. The family environment and the parental bond play a determining role. The quality of attachment and the presence of affective care can partially mitigate the effects, while negative parenting styles, parental dysfunction, and domestic violence increase the minor's vulnerability. Risk factors include a history of abuse in the parents, neglect, substance use, and adverse socioeconomic conditions. This study, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, analyzes recent evidence on emotional manifestations and risk factors associated with sexual abuse in early childhood. The findings show that abuse perpetrated by parents not only generates immediate consequences but also compromises long-term emotional, cognitive, and social development, requiring early interventions, prevention strategies, and family support programs that foster resilience, integral well-being, and the protection of victims.