Psychological abuse
There are different types of adult abuse, some of which are also criminal offences. See below for more information about adult abuse, however please also note that evidence of one indicator should not be taken on its own as proof that abuse is happening. The list of indicators is not exhaustive, there are other indicators that do not appear here, and individuals may be subject to more than one type of abuse at the same time.
Types of psychological or emotional abuse
- Enforced social isolation – preventing someone accessing services, educational and social opportunities and seeing friends
- Removing mobility or communication aids or intentionally leaving someone unattended when they need assistance
- Preventing someone from meeting their religious and cultural needs
- Preventing the expression of choice and opinion
- Failure to respect privacy
- Preventing stimulation, meaningful occupation or activities
- Intimidation, coercion, harassment, use of threats, humiliation, bullying, swearing or verbal abuse
- Addressing a person in a patronising or infantilising way
- Threats of harm or abandonment
- Cyber bullying
Possible indicators of psychological or emotional abuse
- An air of silence when a particular person is present
- Withdrawal or change in the psychological state of the person
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem
- Uncooperative and aggressive behaviour
- A change of appetite, weight loss/gain
- Signs of distress: tearfulness, anger
- Apparent false claims, by someone involved with the person, to attract unnecessary treatment
Example of psychological abuse
In a relationship
The relationship begins with a combination of flattery and extravagant gestures, leaving the victim feeling overwhelmed but loved. This gradually develops into possessive and obsessive behaviour, with the flattery and poetic language being replaced with the giving and removing of affection which produces insecurity and anxiety. The victim’s mental health suffers and friends and family often notice a distinct change in someone’s happiness and ability to cope. Psychological abuse in a relationship can include:
- telling lies or exaggerating
- denying they said things that you both know they did
- their actions not matching their words
- putting you down and then praising you
- eliciting insecurity and anxiety when you bring up their conflicting actions
- convincing you it is your mental health causing confusion after directly causing it with their actions
- it all culminating in a co-dependent relationship caused by the fear and vulnerability that the abuser created.
In adults, emotional and psychological abuse may be the most common and pervasive type of abuse. Unfortunately, it is also the most difficult to track and often goes unreported, so experts are not sure how many individuals suffer from it or how often it is experienced.
Unlike elder sexual abuse or financial exploitation, acts of psychological abuse are not always obviously criminal in nature. Unlike physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse does not leave physical markings or evidence. This type of abuse often can be invisible meaning that professionals and other people may have no idea it is occurring if they do not witness it first hand.
If you are taking care of a person, you must always be mindful and careful so as not to inflict emotional or psychological abuse. Pay attention to the person and how they are feeling and reacting to your care. You should also be mindful of your own emotions and stress levels, and prevent your personal feelings from affecting how you treat your family member or patient.