It is difficult to define psychological maltreatment for a couple different reasons. First, definitions vary depending on the different states legal definition, and often different terms such as emotional abuse or mental injury are used in lieu of psychological maltreatment. So, there is some basic confusion as to what constitutes psychological maltreatment, and what it should be called. Additionally, psychological maltreatment is often co-occurring with other forms of abuse, and if it is occurring on its own, the negative effects may be hard to readily identify.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The IDEAA framework for harm has five research-supported conditions discussed in the text. The first of which has to do with problems of intrapersonal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This might include things such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts,and so on. Next there is emotional problems and symptoms which include things like substance abuse, eating disorders, impulse control, bipolar disorder,and so on. There is also social competency problems and antisocial functioning, which includes things such as lack of empathy for others, impaired social competency, and attachment insecurity. Fourth there is learning problems and behavioral problems in academic settings. This could be something like lower measured intelligence, school problems due to lack of compliance, or a decline in IQ over time. Finally, there is physical health problems and/or adverse biological changes. This might include delays in physical and behavioral development, as well as allergies, asthma, and lifestyle risk behaviors such as smoking or unprotected sex.