Introduction

Verbal abuse is one of the domestic violence that is still underestimated because it has no direct physical effect; it has a tremendous impact on young adults’ mental health.

Objective

This study wanted to confirm the negative effect of verbal abuse on mental health. In addition, parental education is also predicted to play a role in young adults’ mental health.

Method

This study uses a quantitative approach with a total sample of 160 respondents, consisting of 47 males and 113 females. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires through social media, with the criteria of respondents being in the range of 18-22 years old and being cared for by their parents in childhood.

Results

The results showed a significant negative effect of parental verbal abuse in childhood on mental health in young adults. In addition, a father’s education also has a positive effect on young adults’ mental health, whereas a mother’s education does not play a role in mental health.

Discussion and conclusion

Verbal abuse from parents as a youngster will impact one’s mental health as a young adult. Future research is expected to look at who commits verbal abuse in more detail and increase the sample size to evaluate the effect of maternal education.