Signs of Emotional Abuse From Parents

Psychological abuse, also known as emotional abuse, is a pattern of behavior that causes chronic emotional distress, affects self-worth, and impairs a child's emotional development. Examples include rejection, constant criticism, threats, or emotional neglect.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), child abuse and neglect are prevalent in the US, affecting 1 in 7 children. Children living in poverty are at higher risk.

While emotional abuse leaves no physical marks, it can leave deep emotional scars. It can be challenging to detect and prove, leading to decreased intervention.

Child abuse by parents or guardians of children under 18 is a crime, punishable under the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.

Types of Emotional Abuse by Parents

• Constantly criticizing the child
• Blaming the child for adult problems
• Repeatedly rejecting the child
• Dismissing the child's feelings
• Intentionally causing emotional pain
• Ridiculing, mocking, or humiliating the child
• Publicly shaming the child
• Talking down to the child
• Name-calling
• Frequent anger towards the child
• Yelling or swearing at the child
• Threatening to abandon or harm the child, family members, or pets
• Intimidation or scare tactics
• Coercion or manipulation
• Gaslighting
• Frequent harassment or bullying
• Ignoring or using silence to control behavior
• Withholding love, support, and guidance
• Neglecting care and needs
• Allowing the child to witness domestic violence and abuse

Emotional abuse can occur in-person or online via text messages, emails, social media, and other digital platforms.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

• Sudden changes in behavior or academic performance
• Watchful demeanor, anticipating something negative
• Nervousness around certain people or places
• Avoidance of certain people or places
• Withdrawn or unresponsive demeanor
• Overly passive or compliant behavior
• Early arrival and late departure from school or activities
• Reluctance to go home
• Lack of adult supervision
• Emotional distress or agitation
• Aggression or rage

Signs of Emotionally Abusive Parents

• Rarely touching or showing affection to the child
• Expressing dislike for the child
• Describing the child as a burden
• Showing little concern for the child and refusing help
• Demanding academic and sporting achievements beyond the child's capabilities
• Berating the child in front of others
• Denying problems at home or school
• Telling teachers and caregivers to discipline the child harshly for misbehavior

Impact of Emotional Abuse By Parents

Emotional abuse can make a child feel unwanted, unloved, worthless, and flawed, according to a 2014 study. Children who grow up with abusive parents may normalize the abuse and blame themselves, believing they deserve it.

Emotional abuse has lifelong consequences that persist beyond the abuse. It can lead to:

• Cognitive difficulties: difficulty paying attention, learning, and remembering
• Academic issues: lower attendance, poor performance, disciplinary problems
• Mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem
• Emotional difficulties: difficulty interpreting, communicating, and regulating emotions
• Substance use: early use of alcohol, nicotine, or drugs
• Behavioral issues: acting out, bizarre behavior, excessive people-pleasing
• Changes in weight and appetite: eating disorders, malnutrition
• Sleep issues: insomnia, nightmares
• Physical aches and pains: unexplained and treatment-resistant
• Career issues: lower educational attainment, limited job opportunities, increased risk of delinquency
• Relationship issues: modeling unhealthy dynamics

Children who have experienced emotional abuse are more likely to become abusive or seek out abusive relationships, perpetuating the intergenerational cycle of violence.

A Word From Verywell

Emotional abuse can be traumatic for children, leaving lasting emotional wounds and negative consequences. Recognizing the signs and seeking help for at-risk children is crucial to breaking the cycle of abuse.