It is crucial to emphasize that psychological abuse of children is a form of violence that can greatly affect a child’s development both psychological and physiological. This type of harassment can be defined as a repetitive pattern of destructive interaction between the parent and the child. Such an attitude towards the child can be not only chronic but also caused by such factors as alcohol consumption or any form of substance abuse. The complexity of psychological violence lies in the fact that the adult’s actions can be both purposeful and unconscious (Crosson-Tower, 2013). Also, psychological violence can be either the only form of violence or the consequence of psychological or sexual abuse or neglect. The purpose of this paper is to determine the ways of detecting psychological harassment of minors.
Identification of Psychological Abuse
To determine psychological violence in a family, it is necessary to observe both the child and the parents. From the side of parents, the presence of violence can be evident from the parents’ hostility towards the child and verbal accusations or threats (for instance, that the child will be abandoned if he or she does not obey) (Hibbard, Barlow, & MacMillan, 2012). Inadequate evaluation of the child’s capabilities and overstated requirements can also be a form of psychological violence. The isolation of the minor from society or forbiddance to communicate with peers can be considered a violent act as well. Moreover, if parents support the child’s destructive behavior or ignore his or her attempts to interact with them, it can be a form of psychological or emotional abusing (Hibbard et al., 2012). Importantly, if a minor witnesses domestic violence against other family members, it can be stated that the child is psychologically harassed as well.
Further on, to determine the presence of violence in a family, it is necessary not only to talk to a child but also to observe the minor in the natural environment. For example, if a child suffers from frequent feelings of anxiety, fearfulness, and depression, tries to escape from home, and has inadequate behavior, the specialist should pay special attention to this infant, since such behavioral patterns can be a natural reaction to psychological violence (McCoy & Keen, 2013). Also, poor intellectual progress or an unnatural delay in physical development can be the indicators of psychological abuse as a result of which the child cannot advance adequately for his or her age and characteristics. Among other things, behavior extremes such as alcohol abuse, drug addiction, or eating disorders can be the warning signals of psychological distress in a minor.
Family Practice Model
In terms of the Family Practice Model, it covers four core aspects such as safety, permanency, child’s well-being, and family well-being. Psychological abusing of minors neglects and undermines each of these aspects since parents no longer secure their children, infants cannot develop adequately, their relationship with parents does not positively influence their well-being, and the family, in general, is dysfunctional (McCoy & Keen, 2013). Therefore, the model aims to plan for child safety, engage parents in building rapport within the family, and raise awareness among the people about the causes and signs of psychological abuse.
Conclusion
Thus, psychological harassment of children might lead to their poor mental and physical progress. Minors experiencing this form of violence might develop severe complications such as substance abuse, adopt abusive behaviors themselves or the reverse – become isolated and cultivate inadequate self-esteem. Therefore, society, as well as the government and the relevant organizations, should direct their attention to combating this critical phenomenon.
References
Crosson-Tower, C. (2013). Understanding child abuse and neglect (9th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Publishing.
Hibbard, R., Barlow, J., & MacMillan, H. (2012). Psychological maltreatment. Pediatrics, 130(2), 372-378.
McCoy, M., & Keen, S. (2013). Child abuse and neglect. New York, NY: Psychology Press.