Psychological abuse, also called mental abuse, emotional abuse, mental maltreatment and emotional neglect, is the most common form of child abuse in the United States. In 1997, Doyle's Child Abuse Review found that 29 percent of respondents had suffered some form of psychological abuse. The emotional scars of psychological abuse are often just as damaging as the effects of physical abuse.
Aspects
Psychological child abuse can take one or more of several forms. The abuser might bully or terrorize the child with threats or exposure to violence. Emotional neglect is another common form of abuse in which the abuser ignores the child or denies his psychological needs. Exploitation is a form of abuse that occurs when the abuser encourages or forces the child into destructive behaviors, including drug use, criminal acts and prostitution. Humiliation, degradation, rejection and isolating the child from friends and family are other psychological abuse tactics.
Identification
The Coalition for Children lists several indicators common among child victims of psychological abuse. The child might be overly aggressive, demanding, cruel or destructive to others and himself. Alternately, abuse victims might be shy, passive and withdrawn. Abuse victims often have a negative self-image, and might suffer from mental health issues, including phobias, hysterical outbursts and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. These children also can exhibit developmental delays.
Effects
Mental and emotional well-being is a crucial part of childhood development. The American Humane Association reports: "An infant who is severely deprived of basic emotional nurturance, even though physically well cared for, can fail to thrive and can eventually die."
Child victims of psychological abuse often have mental health problems into adulthood. These children are at a higher risk for eating disorders, substance abuse, criminal behavior, aggression, personality disorders, depression, self-mutilation and suicide. These victims might frequently exhibit poor academic performance and inadequate interpersonal skills. Victims often continue the abuse cycle with their own children.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for psychological abuse are similar to those of physical abuse. Parents or caregivers who were abused as children, have substance abuse problems or have untreated mental illness are at an increased likelihood to abuse a child. Poor parenting skills due to ignorance, immaturity or inexperience can lead to abuse. In many cases, abuse is a reaction to life stressors such as unemployment, poverty and health problems. Abusing a child also can be a symptom of a mental disorder such as sadistic psychosis.
Considerations
In some cases, psychological abuse is difficult to identify because the abuser appears to be a model parent and citizen. These types of abusers employ a strategy called "gaslighting," in which they present an alternate persona and reality to the community. These abusers use lies and manipulation tactics to conceal abuse by fooling teachers, counselors, police officers, judges and even the victim. Gaslighting is particularly detrimental to the child victim because she might doubt her own perception or feel that no one will believe her.
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