NCJ Number
237905
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2011 Pages: 866-875
Date Published
October 2011
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an updated conceptual framework for understanding emotional abuse and neglect of children.
Abstract
Previous research has found that emotional abuse and neglect is a serious and common form of child maltreatment, and that it causes substantial harm to a child's functioning and development. In order to better understand the problem of child emotional abuse and neglect, this paper presents an updated conceptual framework of the problem. Emotional abuse and neglect is defined as 'persistent, non-physical, harmful interactions with the child by the caregiver, which include both commission and omission'. Several issues that continue to contribute to a less than optimal definition of emotional abuse and neglect are discussed. These issues include the following: what is the actual definition of emotional abuse; is it ill-treatment of the child, impairment of their development, or both; what is the threshold for deciding when behavior is undesirable and when it actually becomes harmful; at what point is the abuse severe enough to warrant intervention; and what forms of maltreatment should be included in the definition of emotional abuse. A discussion is also included on the five categories of harmful caregiver-child interactions, as well as risk factors that contribute to emotional abuse and neglect. Steps for assessment and intervention by child welfare professionals are also presented. Figure and references