Child and Adolescent Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment (From Family Violence: A Clinical and Legal Guide, P 37-72, 1996, Sandra J Kaplan, ed. -- See NCJ-165898)

• NCJ Number: 165900
• Author(s): H D Rosenzweig; S J Kaplan
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 36 pages
• Sale Source: American Psychiatric Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter provides an overview of the types, assessment, causes, and treatment of child and adolescent emotional abuse and neglect.

Abstract

The chapter notes that the National Center of Child Abuse Study defined emotional neglect as "a parent's providing a child inadequate nurturing and affection, exposing the child to chronic or extreme abuse by the parent's partner, allowing the child to misuse drugs or alcohol, allowing other maladaptive behavior, or refusing psychological care to the child." Other issues discussed with respect to neglect are the psychopathology of neglected children and adolescents, the psychopathology of neglectful parents, the assessment of neglected children and adolescents, and the treatment of neglect. The chapter accepts the definition of "emotional abuse" proposed by Garbarino; he defines it as "a pattern of psychically destructive behavior inflicted by an adult on a child." Emotional abuse may take five forms: rejecting, isolating, terrorizing, ignoring, or corrupting. Included in the discussion of emotional abuse are malparenting and substance abuse, as well as intervention for emotional maltreatment. A concluding legal commentary focuses on issues related to victims, other family members, and offenders, as well as guidance for mental health professionals and practitioners. 29 references