Continuous mental maltreatment of a child that makes them feel afraid, undesired, isolated, unloved, and disregarded is classified as psychological or emotional child abuse (1). These negative feelings can harm a child’s long-term general development, often irreversibly, and damage their self-esteem and confidence. Calling children names and constantly demeaning, shaming, and threatening them are examples of emotional abuse. It frequently occurs in the context of other forms of abuse, such as physical abuse or neglect. Therefore, looking out for red flags is critical for timely discovery, correction, and prevention. This post discusses the various indicators and risk factors of emotional abuse in kids as well as successful treatment and preventative strategies.
Types Of Emotional Abuse
Based on the specific way in which it happens, child abuse can be categorized under the following types (1)(2)(3). Besides these, exposing a child to domestic violence, refusing meaningful interaction, and having unreasonable expectations are also types of emotional abuse. Parents are often the first suspects in child abuse cases. However, anyone, including an older sibling, teacher, close relative, or caregiver, can also be the abuser.
Signs A Child Is Being Emotionally Abused
Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse isn’t readily visible until the child’s behavior raises red flags. The following are some signs that indicate a child is facing emotional abuse (4)(5).
Avoiding looking at the abuser or staying near the abuser
Disinterest in things they used to like doing earlier
Sudden downfall in academic performance
Emotional problems, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety
Difficulty sleeping and night terrors
Apathetic, aloof, and unresponsive behavior
Social withdrawal or desperate attention-seeking
Displaying behavior that is either too immature or over-mature for their age
Increase in aggression
Empty facial expression and disdained demeanor
Developmental lags
Abrupt changes in speech, such as stuttering
Eating disorders, including undereating or overeating
Abrupt bedwetting or bed-soiling for no medical reason
Unexplained physical complaints, such as body ache or headache for no apparent reason
Destructive thoughts towards self (suicidal thoughts) and others
Indulgence in destructive and antisocial behavior
Unusual habits, such as head banging, thumb-sucking, and biting
Possible Reasons For Emotional Abuse Of Children
Most emotional abuse cases occur where the parents themselves have had an emotionally deprived childhood. Also, not all the perpetrators are parents. Instead, several of them can be close relatives, guardians, teachers, and older siblings. Here are a few factors that put a person at a high risk of abusing a child (1)(6). Moreover, raising a specially-abled child alone and living in isolation with no contact with friends and family can increase one’s risk of resorting to abuse. Note: These risk factors increase the likelihood of a person indulging in emotional abuse. However, the abuser can control their behavior and bring about positive changes with determination and the right help.
Ways To Prevent Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse in children often happens within the four walls and takes time to show its effects. This is why its timely identification and prevention are a challenge. Here’s how you can help prevent emotional abuse in children around you (7):
Consequences Of Emotional Abuse
Regardless of whether the abuse was short-lived or chronic, it leaves scars on the child. The severity of the effect depends on the child’s age, duration of abuse, natural resilience, and other abuse or abuses the child had suffered. Here are the four broad categories that explain the consequences of emotional abuse (1)(8). Furthermore, chronic emotional abuse raises the risk of children developing eating disorders. Eating disorders are mental health problems where children experience erratic eating patterns, such as appetite loss or binge eating. In either case, a child’s growth, development, and long-term health are in danger due to overnutrition or undernutrition. Apart from these, a child can experience developmental lags due to emotional abuse. It is why experts believe that when emotional abuse happens, children, their families, and society at large face the long-term consequences. Therefore, its timely reporting and resolution are imperative to prevent irreparable damages.
How To Report Emotional Abuse
The procedure to report emotional abuse can vary from state to state within a country. For instance, some states in the US mandate law enforcement officers, social workers, school personnel, childcare providers, healthcare workers, and mental health professionals to report child abuse to the concerned authorities (10). On the other hand, in other states, anyone who notices or suspects emotional child abuse can report it to the local child protective services. After reporting, a social worker or a child protective services officer will meet with the child and the family. Based on their evaluation, they may move the child to foster care to offer them a safe, secure, and nurturing environment. If you are in the US and know a child abuse victim, call or text the Child help National Child Abuse Hotline 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453) to speak with a professional. You can also contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency here.
Treatment For Emotional Abuse
Once a case of emotional abuse is reported and the child is safe and secure, their treatment begins. Depending on the child’s issues, a team of professionals, including a physician, dentist, counselor, eating disorder specialist, psychiatrist or psychologist, public health nurse, childcare staff, and teacher, would work with the child. If a parent has been the one abusing the child, they will also require mental health treatment. The treatment involves individual and/or family therapies, counseling sessions, and parenting coaching, which teach the child and their family social skills necessary for healthy conflict resolution. Also, they teach children and their families ways to employ positive coping strategies in difficult situations (6).
How To Help A Child Cope With Emotional Abuse
Based on the duration and severity of emotional abuse, coping with its effects can be challenging for the child and the family. However, you can build your child’s resilience with positive behavior and experiences over time. Here’s how you can do that (11). Building resilience in your child and helping them cope with their trauma take time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts. You will experience ups and downs during the course, but stay positive and handhold your child.
