Signs of Emotional Abuse From Parents
What Is Emotional Abuse by Parents?
Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, is a pattern of behaviour sustained by a parent that causes emotional discomfort, undermines a child's sense of self-worth, and interferes with their emotional development. Rejection, relentless criticism, threats, or emotional neglect are all examples.
Child abuse and neglect are much too widespread in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with one in every seven children a victim. While any child can be a victim of emotional abuse, the CDC emphasises that poor children are at a higher risk of abuse.
While mental abuse does not result in scratches or bruises, it can cause serious emotional scarring and be just as harmful to a kid as physical or sexual abuse. However, because it does not leave physical signs, it might be more difficult to notice and prove, thus individuals and law enforcement officials may be less likely to intervene and help the child.
Nonetheless, child abuse by parents or legal guardians of children under the age of 18 is a crime punishable by the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
This article addresses the different types, indicators, and consequences of emotional abuse by parents.
Types of Emotional Abuse by Parents
These are some of the types of emotional abuse children may experience from their parents:
Constantly criticising the child
Blaming the child for adult problems
Rejecting the child repeatedly
Dismissing the child’s feelings
Deliberately causing the child emotional pain
Ridiculing the child or mocking them
Humiliating or publicly shaming the child
Talking down to the child
Calling the child names
Getting angry at the child often
Yelling or swearing at the child
Threatening to abandon the child
Threatening to harm the child or their family members, friends, or pets
Intimidating or scaring the child
Coercing or manipulating the child
Gaslighting the child
Frequently harassing or picking on the child
Ignoring the child or using silence to control their behaviour
Withholding love, support, and guidance
Neglecting to care for the child and their needs
Allowing the child to witness domestic violence and abuse
Emotional abuse can be perpetuated in person or online, through text messages, emails, social media, and other digital apps or platforms.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
These are some common signs that a child might be experiencing abuse:
Sudden changes in behaviour or academic performance
Watchful demeanour, as though waiting for something bad to happen
Nervousness around certain people
A tendency to avoid being around certain people
Withdrawn or unresponsive demeanour
Overly passive or compliant behaviour
Early arrival and late departure from school or other activities
Reluctance to go home
Lack of adult supervision
Emotional distress or agitation
Aggression or rage
These are some of the signs of emotionally abusive parents:
Rarely touching the child or showing affection
Stating that they do not like the child
Describing the child as a burden
Showing little concern for the child and refusing others’ help
Demanding academic results and sporting performances the child cannot achieve
Berating the child in front of their friends, teachers, or neighbours
Denying that there are any problems at home or at school
Telling teachers and other caregivers to discipline the child harshly if they misbehave
Impact of Emotional Abuse By Parents
According to a 2014 study, emotional abuse can make a youngster feel unwanted, unloved, useless, and imperfect.
Children who grow up with abusive parents may not notice the abuse since it is all they have ever known. They may blame themselves for their parents' conduct and grow up believing they are unlovable or unworthy of respect.
Emotional abuse may be extremely harmful to children and have long-term ramifications long after the abuse has stopped. These are some of the negative consequences that a child may face as a result of emotional abuse:
Attention, learning, and memory problems are examples of cognitive issues.
Academic concerns include low school attendance, poor academic performance, and disciplinary problems.
Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem are examples of mental health disorders.
Challenges in interpreting, communicating, processing, and managing emotions are examples of emotional difficulties.
Substance abuse, such as the use of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs at a young age
Acting out, behaving strangely, or trying too hard to satisfy others are examples of behavioural disorders.
Weight and appetite fluctuations, which could lead to eating disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and malnourishment
Insomnia and nightmares are examples of sleep disorders.
Physical aches and pains that have no other obvious cause and do not seem to improve with treatment
Career problems as a result of lesser educational achievement, fewer employment prospects, and a higher risk of delinquency
Relationship problems as a result of largely unhealthy patterns being modelled
Because this is the relational dynamic they grew up with, children who have been emotionally abused are more likely to be abusive to others or to seek out abusive people. As a result, individuals may become abuse victims or perpetrators in the future. The intergenerational cycle of violence refers to this.
A Word From Ichhori
Emotional abuse may be painful and frightening for children, leaving deep emotional wounds and serious negative repercussions. As a result, it is critical to detect the warning signals and seek aid for children who may be at risk.