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Psychological Abuse Child Abuse Is Essay

The genders mentioned here are not entirely rigid, but it is far more common to see mothers exhibiting such behavior in these arenas. The same basic principles apply, however, where the parent uses derogatory or abusive language to drive children past what are perceived as their shortcomings. Pushing children to succeed is not abuse, but when it is done in a way that is unnecessarily cruel, it's psychological abuse. Not all psychological abuse is situation specific, these two examples are simply easily recognized by most members of society. Many cases of psychological abuse occur across all situations, especially behind closed doors. It is the most common form of child abuse, not only because it occurs with both sexual and physical abuse but because it is often not perceived as harmful behavior simply because it leaves no outer bruises (Cook & Cook 2005, pp. 142).

Although half of all abuse cases occur with Caucasian children, the rates of abuse are highest among Native Americans and African-Americans (Cook & Cook 2005, pp. 142). Because psychological abuse is probably the most under-reported type of abuse (because it leaves no direct evidence, teachers and other adults who come into contact with abused children might not notice it, and also many people who observe it occurring do not feel it is "their place" to step in and say/do something), it is impossible to say exactly how common it is, but it...

141).
The effects of psychological abuse are legion, and in many instances they are actually the same as the measure for whether or not abuse is occurring. That is, one of the actions that constitutes of psychological abuse is the use of language meant to destroy self-esteem, and a low self-esteem is one of the most common effects of any type of child abuse (Kairys & Johnson 2002, pp. 1-2). Other effects are similarly linked to the methods of abuse, including social and emotional instability, the ability to form relationships with others, and other issues negatively affecting learning and general cognition (Cook & Cook, 2005, pp. 143-4; Kairys & Johnson 2002, pp. 2).

Psychological abuse took long time to be recognized as an independent phenomenon (Kairys & Johnson 2002, pp. 1). Now it is not only a recognized aspect of other types of abuse, but is in fact seen as the aspect and type of abuse most in need of addressing.

References

Cook, J.L., & Cook, G. (2005). Child Development: Principles and Perspectives (2nd edition). New York: Allyn & Bacon Publishers.

Kairys, S. & Johnson,…

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References

Cook, J.L., & Cook, G. (2005). Child Development: Principles and Perspectives (2nd edition). New York: Allyn & Bacon Publishers.

Kairys, S. & Johnson, C. (2002). "The psychological maltreatment of children -- technical report." Pediatrics 109(4).
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