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Childhood Emotional Abuse

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Anne E. Thompson  and
Carole A. Kaplan
Anne E. Thompson*
Affiliation:
Fleming Nuffield Unit for Children and Young People
Carole A. Kaplan
Affiliation:
Fleming Nuffield Unit for Children and Young People
*
Dr A. E. Thompson, Fleming Nuffield Unit, Burdon Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3AE. Fax: 0191 2120759
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Abstract

Background

The assessment and management of childhood emotional abuse is of increasing importance in psychiatric practice. At present there are no consensus views about the definition of emotional abuse and information from research is limited.

Method

Information about emotional abuse from the medical, psychological, social science and legal literature is summarised. Definitions and proposed mechanisms of damage are discussed. Current research data and an overview of childhood and adult sequelae are presented. Proposals for clinical and medico-legal practice are made.

Results

Theoretical models of emotional abuse and its consequences are derived from theories of childhood psychological development. Empirical research is beginning to show that emotional abuse may have a profound effect on aspects of psychological development in children.

Conclusions

The developmental theories and methods of assessment well established in psychiatry are useful approaches to the clinical assessment and further understanding of emotional abuse.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 2 , February 1996 , pp. 143 - 148
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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