Lesson Two - Emotional

• What are the numbers?
• Neglect
  • Indicators
  • Causes
• Physical
  • Considerations
  • Causes
• Emotional
• Sexual
• Cultural Issues
• Guidelines

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

A boy in class has inadequate social behavior for his age and usually keeps to himself. It is common for him to fight when provoked or to destroy other people's property in revenge. This boy only has perhaps only one friend and has very low self-esteem. He makes average grades but is excessively hard on himself when he makes a mistake ("I'm just a stupid idiot.") His parents may seem concerned and cooperative regarding the boy's grades, but they are also very critical of him ("He is just too stupid to get it") and refuse to recognize the boy's strengths. 

Emotional abuse is the hardest form of maltreatment to identify and is reported less frequently than other forms. Because it is so hard to gather enough evidence to substantiate emotional abuse, it is suspected that the frequency of abuse is greater than the data show. However, there are ways to identify emotional abuse. This section will focus on the different forms that this type of abuse can take and how to recognize indicators that may lead you to file a report.  

Definitions of Emotional Abuse 

Emotional abuse or neglect may consist of excessive, aggressive, or unreasonable parental or caregiver behavior which places demands upon a child to perform beyond his or her capability.  It may also refer to the withholding or deprivation of love, care, support or guidance.

Emotional Abuse can take various forms. According to researchers Garbarino and Garbarino, there are five categories of emotional maltreatment: 

1. Ignoring - is when an adult fails to give the attention needed by the child, there is little or no emotional connection, no effective communication or response to the child. Intent may not be present. 
2. Isolating - is when the child is cut off from other members of society. This is usually an overt act by the parent or caregiver to punish the child. 
3. Terrorizing - is a set of behaviors that uses threat of grievous physical harm or outcomes for the child used as punishment or to maintain control over the child. 
4. Corrupting - is teaching or encouraging antisocial acts or beliefs. Passively neglecting to teach legal and ethical boundaries through basic irresponsibility would be emotional neglect. Overtly teaching a child to perform unlawful or immoral acts or having the child observe these behaviors would be emotional abuse. 
5. Rejecting - is when a parent or caregiver refuses to give the child attention or affection. It usually takes form of overt statements that are extremely critical of the child and demean his or her value as a person. 

Emotional maltreatment is broad and can define most unacceptable behaviors of parents and caregivers. One or more of these behaviors may be found in the same family and they often overlap. Because emotional maltreatment of children does not cause visible physical wounds, a mandated reporter may have a difficult time identifying it. But it is important to remember that, if you suspect emotional abuse, you must report it to Children's Protective Services. They will have the ability to classify the abuse in an objective way. 

(Source: The Unkindest Cut, The Emotional Maltreatment of Children, Griffith, N.H. and Zigler, J.S., Red Clay and Vinger, 2002.)

 

What are the factors that can contribute to emotional abuse?

Just as emotional abuse can take many forms, it also can be produced in many ways. Some parental factors that contribute to emotional abuse are:

• rejection
• intimidation
• humiliation
• putting a child in a hostile or violent environment that produces fear or guilt
• lack of nurturance for the child
• lack of acceptance of the child
• allowing a child to witness domestic violence

Another factor that can produce emotional abuse in children is having one parent who is also a victim of abuse. If a parent is experiencing abuse along with the child, it is not likely that the parent will be able to protect the child which allows the abusive parent to continue to dominate the household. 

(Source: The Unkindest Cut, The Emotional Maltreatment of Children, Griffith, N.H. and Zigler, J.S., Red Clay and Vinger, 2002.)

Physical and Behavioral Indicators

Because emotional abuse is the hardest to substantiate it often goes unreported, but if the abused child does not receive treatment, the effects will last a lifetime.

The following is a chart of the behavioral indicators that can occur as a result of emotional abuse. 

Emotional Abuse

Behavioral Indicators

Over eagerness to please

Accepting the abuse as being deserved

Excessive anxiety

Depression

Unwillingness to discuss problems

Aggressive or bizarre behavior

Withdrawal

Apathy

Passivity

Unprovoked fits of yelling or screaming

Inconsistent behavior at home and school

Running away from home

Suicidal gestures or attempts

Low self-esteem

Inability to sustain relationships

Unrealistic goal setting

Impatience

Inability to communicate or express feelings, needs, or desires

Sabotage his or her chances of success

Lack of self-confidence

Self-deprecation or negative self-image

BACK | NEXT