What constitutes Child Psychological Abuse?

Child Psychological Abuse is characterized primarily by verbal or non-verbal acts that can lead to significant harm to a child's emotional and psychological well-being. This form of abuse encompasses behaviors such as constant criticism, rejection, threats, or other forms of emotional devaluation that can have lasting detrimental effects on a child's self-esteem and mental health.

The emphasis on verbal acts resulting in significant psychological harm aligns with the DSM-5-TR's understanding of psychological abuse. It recognizes that such actions can disrupt normal development and lead to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life.

While physical harm, emotional neglect, and neglect of physical needs are all serious issues that can negatively affect a child's well-being, they are categorized under different types of abuse or maltreatment. Physical harm is more related to physical abuse, emotional neglect pertains to a lack of emotional support, and neglect of physical needs refers to failing to provide essential resources for a child’s health and safety. Psychological abuse, however, specifically focuses on the damaging impact of harmful verbal and emotional interactions.