Missing an emotional safety net, the developing young brain focuses on finding safety elsewhere instead of playing, relaxing, or bonding with others. In this way, an emotionally abusive mother distorts her daughter’s inner life, creating personality adaptations that may bring on future trouble. For example, girls with abusive mothers have difficulty making friends. They struggle to trust. Prolonged activation of the stress response system (from lack of trust) disrupts developing brain architecture, making it difficult to manage emotions, moods, and thoughts.
