answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

Child neglect (also called psychological abuse) is a form of child abuse that occurs when someone intentionally does not provide a child with food, water, shelter, clothing, medical care, or other necessities.

Other forms of child neglect include:

  • Allowing the child to witness violence or severe abuse between parents or adults
  • Ignoring, insulting, or threatening the child with violence
  • Not providing the child with a safe environment and adult emotional support
  • Showing reckless disregard for the child's well being

See also:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The rate at which children are physically and emotionally neglected is difficult to define.

Risk factors may include:

  • Mental illness
  • Poverty
  • Stresses in the family
  • Substance abuse by parents or caregivers

Abused children are at risk of becoming abusers themselves as adults.

Symptoms

Symptoms of psychological abuse may include:

  • Difficulties in school
  • Eating disorders, leading to weight loss or poor weight gain
  • Emotional issues such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety
  • Rebellious behavior
  • Sleep disorders
  • Vague physical complaints

See also: Failure to thrive

Signs and tests

Children with suspected emotional abuse should be examined by a trained mental health professional. All neglected or psychologically abused children should be examined for other forms of physical abuse.

Treatment

The law requires health care workers, school employees, and child care professionals to report suspected abuse.

Treatment of the abused child may include nutritional and mental health therapy.

It may be necessary to remove the child from the home to prevent further abuse.

Treatment for abusers may involve parenting classes and treatment for mental illness, alcohol, or drug abuse.

Support Groups

There are many support groups available, including:

Prevent Child Abuse America - www.preventchildabuse.org

Expectations (prognosis)

With treatment, many children and parents can be reunited as a family. The long-term outcome depends on:

  • How severe the abuse was
  • For how long the child was abused
  • The success of therapy and parenting classes
Complications

As in all forms of child abuse, severe injury or death is possible.

Other long-term problems may include:

  • Becoming an abuser in adulthood
  • Depression
  • Lack of self confidence
  • Rebellious behavior
Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if a child has:

  • Physical changes, such as unexplained injuries, weight loss, or severe tiredness
  • Unexplained behavior changes

Suspected child abuse of any form must be reported to the authorities.

Prevention

Community programs, such as home visits by nurses and social workers, can help families change behaviors or prevent the start of abuse in high-risk families.

School-based programs to improve parenting, communication, and self-image can help prevent future abuse and may help to identify abused children.

Parenting classes are very helpful. Newlywed adults without children should be encouraged to take these classes before they have each child. The dynamics in the home change when each new child is born.

References

Johnson CF. Abuse and neglect of children. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 36.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Is child abuse psychological?

Yes and no. Child abuse can take many forms. But the result, or the impact it has on the child, is emotional and psychological. The forms child abuse can take are emotional child abuse, psychological child abuse (also referred to as mental child abuse), and physical child abuse.


What has the author Sushma Pandey written?

Sushma Pandey has written: 'Psychological consequences of child abuse' -- subject(s): Child abuse, Psychological aspects, Psychological aspects of Child abuse


Is indoctrination child abuse?

Neglect of indoctrination is child abuse, Matt.18:6


What is the difference between child neglect and child abuse?

child neglect is when you do not provide things that are needed for your child without meaning harm where child abuse is when a person intentionally harms a child to be cruel


What is the synonym for neglect?

ignore, abuse, forget (it all depends on neglect a child, or neglect to do something)


Is the rocking horse winner about child abuse?

No. There are no incidents of child abuse or even neglect in the story


How many more times is child neglect common than child abuse?

Child neglect is significantly more common than child abuse, with estimates indicating that neglect occurs at a rate about three to four times higher than abuse. According to various studies and reports, neglect can account for around 60-75% of all reported child maltreatment cases, while abuse makes up a smaller portion. This disparity highlights the prevalence of neglect as a critical issue in child welfare.


How many kids get killed by child abuse?

four children die everyday due to child abuse or neglect.


What has the author April Daniels written?

April Daniels has written: 'Paperdolls' -- subject(s): Adult child sexual abuse victims, Biography, Child sexual abuse, Incest, Mormons, Psychological aspects, Psychological aspects of Child sexual abuse, Psychological aspects of Incest, Religious aspects of Child sexual abuse


What is it called when you hurt a child?

When a child is hurt, it can be referred to as child abuse or child maltreatment. This encompasses physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect. Such actions can have severe and lasting impacts on a child's physical and psychological well-being. It's important to report and address any suspected cases of harm to ensure the child's safety and well-being.


What has the author Laura Rose written?

Laura Rose has written: 'Overview of government programs relating to the prevention of child abuse and neglect' -- subject(s): Child abuse, Government policy, Prevention, Wisconsin, Wisconsin. Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board


How does a child get in foster care?

The local child welfare agency removes the child from the home due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. The agency may learn of the abuse by a report from a doctor or teacher, or a call by a concerned citizen to a hotline. Sometimes an older child will report the abuse or neglect themselves.