Psychological Maltreatment (From Child Abuse and Neglect: Guidelines for Identification, Assessment, and Case Management, P 106-109, 2003, Marilyn Strachan Peterson and Michael Durfee, eds. -- See NCJ-200932)

• NCJ Number: 200948
• Author(s): Marilyn Strachan Peterson M.S.W; Joaquin Borrego, Jr. Ph.D.; Sherri Y. Terao; Anthony J. Urquiza Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: Volcano Press, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This overview of child psychological maltreatment considers its epidemiology, behavioral categories, its consequences for the child, and intervention modalities.

Abstract

This chapter outlines the behavioral categories of psychological maltreatment of children identified by Hart and Brassard (1991), Evans (1993), Engle (1990), and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Hart and Brassard identified the following five subcategories of psychological maltreatment: spurning, terrorizing, raging, isolating, exploiting/corrupting, and denying emotional responsiveness. Evans defined the following categories of psychological abuse: withholding, criticism/ordering, undermining, accusing/blaming, controlling by defining reality, and controlling by making the child responsible. Engle defined the following categories of psychological abuse: verbal assaults, abusive expectations, emotional blackmail, unpredictable responses, constant criticism, character assassination, constant chaos, social abuse, and intellectual abuse. Engle also defines typologies of parental abuse that are found in all types of abusive situations (physical, sexual, and emotional); these are parents that are possessive, overcontrolling, abandoning and rejecting, hypocritical, alcoholic, silent, misogynistic (devalues females), and indifference to sibling abuse. Psychological maltreatment of a child can have numerous negative consequences at both the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels. Research studies have linked psychological maltreatment to numerous emotional and behavioral problems for children. Engle found a high rate of mental illness for infants and children who experienced emotional unavailability from their parents. Suggested intervention modalities include social support intervention, individual and/or group therapy for the parent, parent-child interaction therapy, and participation in various co-dependency groups such as Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics. A relevant case vignette with follow-up questions is provided. 5 resources