Forms of Emotional Abuse

 

Forms of Emotional Abuse

Writ by Jesse Lee aka Oregonleatherboy


Denial is a form of emotional abuse that involves invalidating a person's experiences or feelings, often leading to:


  • confusion


  • self-doubt


  •  and low self-esteem.

(Otgaar, Howe, Memon, & Wang, 2014; Otgaar, Howe, Smeets, & Wang, 2016).

Man's head trapped in a jar screaming



 The hierarchy for topics and subjects of denial as emotional abuse can be categorized into different levels based on the severity and impact on the victim.


Level 1: Denial of Perception

This level involves denying a person's perception of reality or their experiences. 


  • This can include gaslighting, where the abuser manipulates the victim into questioning their own sanity or memory.


  •  It can also include denying the victim's emotions or feelings, such as telling them they are overreacting or being too sensitive.


Level 2: Denial of Emotion

At this level, the abuser denies the victim's emotions or feelings altogether.


  •  This can involve telling the victim they are not allowed to feel a certain way, such as being happy or sad


  • It can also involve minimizing or dismissing the victim's emotions, such as telling them to "just get over it" or "stop being so dramatic."


Level 3: Denial of Needs

This level involves denying the victim's basic needs, such as:


  •  food


  •  water


  • shelter,


  •  or medical care.


 It can also include denying the victim's emotional needs, such as:


  •  love


  • support


  • or validation. 


This level of denial is often seen in cases of neglect and can have severe physical and psychological consequences.


Level 4: Denial of Existence

At this level, the abuser denies the victim's very existence or identity. 


  • This can involve gaslighting to the point where the victim questions their own existence or worth. 


  • It can also include denying the victim's:


  •  cultural heritage


  •  religious identity


  •  gender identity


  • or sexual orientation.


In conclusion, denial as emotional abuse can take many forms and can be categorized into different levels based on the severity and impact on the victim. It is important to recognize and address denial in all its forms to prevent further harm to the victim.


 Authoritative Reference Publications or URLs:


 National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/



References


Mem Cognit. 2018; 46(4): 520–529. Published online 2017 Dec 20. doi: 10.3758/s13421-017-0781-5

PMCID: PMC5940707PMID: 29264864

Forgetting having denied: The “amnesic” consequences of denial

Henry Otgaar,corresponding author1,2,3 Tameka Romeo,1 Niki Ramakers,1 and Mark L. Howe


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5940707/


Abstract

The concept of denial has its roots in psychoanalysis. Denial has been assumed to be effective in blocking unwanted memories. In two experiments, we report that denial has unique consequences for remembering. In our two experiments, participants viewed a video of a theft, and half of the participants had to deny seeing certain details in the video, whereas the other half had to tell the truth. One day later, all participants were given either a source-monitoring recognition or a recall task. In these tasks, they were instructed to indicate (1) whether they could remember talking about certain details and (2) whether they could recollect seeing those details in the video. In both experiments, we found that denial made participants forget that they had talked about these details, while leaving memory for the video itself unaffected. This denial-induced forgetting was evident for both the source-monitoring recognition and recall tests. Furthermore, when we asked participants after the experiment whether they could still not remember talking about these details, those who had to deny were most likely to report that they had forgotten talking about the details. In contrast to a widely held belief, we show that denial does not impair memory for the experienced stimuli, but that it has a unique ability to undermine memory for what has been talked about.


Front Psychol. 2017; 8: 1276. Published online 2017 Aug 24. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01276

PMCID: PMC5573805PMID: 28883800

Childhood Trauma and Minimization/Denial in People with and without a Severe Mental Disorder

Chelsea Church,1 Ole A. Andreassen,2 Steinar Lorentzen,3 Ingrid Melle,2 and Monica Aas2,*

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573805/


Abstract

Background: Childhood trauma has garnered extensive research concerning its role in the psychopathology of mental disorders, including psychosis. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) utilizes a minimization/denial (MD) scale to denote potential under-reporters of trauma, yet MD scores are infrequently reported and validations of the scale are lacking in the literature. Study aim: Elucidate differences in MD between patients with severe mental disorders to healthy individuals, and secondly, investigate if MD influences reports of childhood trauma between the groups.


Methods: We included 621 patients with a DSM-schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar spectrum diagnosis, or major depression disorder with psychotic features and 299 healthy controls as part of the NORMENT study in Oslo, Norway. History of childhood trauma was obtained using the CTQ. Clinical diagnoses were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders.


Results: A significantly greater proportion of healthy controls (42.8%) had a positive MD score compared to patients (26.7%). When controlling for MD, the patient group still exhibited elevated reports of childhood trauma compared to controls (Cohen’s d = 1.27), concordant with reports of childhood trauma being more frequently reported in a population of severe mental disorders.


Conclusion: Elevated MD in the healthy control group could suggest an enhanced self-serving bias, potentially attenuated in the psychiatric group. Clinicians and researchers would benefit from including the MD component of CTQ when assessing retrospective information on childhood trauma to rule out potential effect of MD.


Keywords: childhood trauma, psychopathology, minimization, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder



Child Abuse Negl
. 1983;7(4):471-2. doi: 10.1016/0145-2134(83)90054-6.
Denial of reality: a form of emotional child abuse
M Lesnik-Oberstein
PMID: 6686798 DOI: 10.1016/0145-2134(83)90054-6
Abstract
Parental denial of reality is a form of emotional child abuse. The case history of a 49-year-old patient in psychoanalytic psychotherapy is described in order to illustrate how parental denial, especially parental collusive denial, of reality may impair a child's sense of reality by invalidating his perceptions and memories. The resulting doubts about their truth may result in a feeling of "being crazy."







Lying as emotional abuse can have a significant impact on individuals and relationships. It can cause mistrust, erode self-esteem, and damage the foundation of a relationship. To understand the hierarchy for topics and subjects of lying as emotional abuse, it is essential to explore the different aspects of this behavior.


At the top of the hierarchy for topics and subjects of lying as emotional abuse is the impact on the victim. Lying as emotional abuse can cause significant harm to individuals who experience it. It can lead to feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, and emotional distress. The victim may feel confused, anxious, or depressed.


The second level in the hierarchy is the types of lies that constitute emotional abuse. These include lies about:


  • fidelity


  • finances


  •  drug or alcohol use


  •  or other significant issues that impact the relationship.


 Lying about these issues can cause severe damage to a relationship and may be a form of control or manipulation.


The third level is the motives for lying as emotional abuse. These may include a desire for:


  •  control


  •  fear of conflict or 

  • consequences

  •  or an attempt to avoid responsibility. 


Understanding the motives behind lying can help victims and their loved ones address the behavior effectively.


In conclusion, understanding the hierarchy for topics and subjects of lying as emotional abuse requires an exploration of its impact on victims, types of lies that constitute emotional abuse, and motives for lying. By understanding these aspects, individuals can identify when they are experiencing emotional abuse and take steps to address it.








Pity is a complex emotion that involves feeling sorry for someone or something. It can be a form of emotional abuse when one person uses another's vulnerability or difficult situation to gain power or control over them. The hierarchy for topics and subjects of pity as emotional abuse can vary depending on the context and circumstances.


Some of the most common topics and subjects of pity as emotional abuse include:


1. Mental health issues: People with mental health issues are often vulnerable to emotional abuse in the form of pity. Those who suffer from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental illnesses may be made to feel helpless or weak by those who use their condition as a means of control.


2. Physical disabilities: Individuals with physical disabilities may also be subject to emotional abuse through pity. Those who use someone's disability as a means of control may make them feel inferior or incapable, leading to further isolation and feelings of helplessness.


3. Trauma: People who have experienced trauma, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, may also be subject to emotional abuse through pity. Those who use someone's trauma as a means of control may make them feel weak or powerless, leading to further feelings of isolation and helplessness.


It is important to note that emotional abuse through pity can occur in any context where one person seeks to gain power or control over another. This can happen in personal relationships, professional settings, or even in larger societal contexts.


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Love-bombing is a manipulative tactic used by some individuals to gain control over their partners or victims. It is a form of emotional abuse that involves showering the victim with excessive attention, affection, and gifts, often in an attempt to create a false sense of intimacy and trust. 


The hierarchy for topics and subjects of love-bombing as emotional abuse can be broken down into several categories.


1. The Tactics of Love-Bombing: This category includes the various techniques that abusers use to love-bomb their victims. These tactics may include:


  • excessive flattery


  • constant communication


  • grand gestures


  • and gifts.



 Abusers may also use love-bombing as a way to isolate their victims from friends and family, making them more dependent on the abuser.


2. The Psychological Impact of Love-Bombing: This category focuses on the effects that love-bombing can have on victims. Victims may feel overwhelmed and confused by the sudden attention and affection they receive from their abuser. They may also feel guilty for not reciprocating these feelings, leading to feelings of shame and self-doubt. In some cases, victims mayi become addicted to the attention they receive from their abuser, making it difficult for them to leave the relationship.


3. The Relationship Dynamics of Love-Bombing: This category explores how love-bombing can affect the dynamics of a relationship. Abusers may use love-bombing as a way to gain power and control over their partner, leading to an imbalanced and unhealthy relationship. Victims may also feel pressured to reciprocate the abuser's feelings, even if they do not genuinely feel the same way.


 Authoritative Reference Publications or URLs:


 Psychology Today: This website provides a comprehensive overview of love-bombing as emotional abuse, including its tactics, psychological impact, and relationship dynamics.


National Domestic Violence Hotline: The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers resources and support for victims of love-bombing and other forms of emotional abuse.


 The New York Times: This article explores the concept of love-bombing in the context of cults and abusive relationships, highlighting its manipulative nature and psychological impact on victims.






Emotional abuse is a topic that can be challenging to define and identify. It can take many forms, from verbal attacks and controlling behavior to neglect and isolation. Triangulation is a specific type of emotional abuse that involves using a third party to manipulate or control a victim. When discussing emotional abuse and triangulation, it is essential to have a hierarchy of topics and subjects to ensure that the conversation stays focused and informative.


The hierarchy for topics and subjects of triangulation as emotional abuse can be broken down into several categories:


1. Definition: The first level of the hierarchy involves defining emotional abuse, triangulation, and how they relate to each other. This section should cover the different types of emotional abuse, including:


  •  verbal


  •  psychological


  • and physical abuse.


 It should also explain what triangulation is, how it works, and why it is such a damaging form of emotional abuse.


2. Signs and Symptoms: The second level of the hierarchy involves identifying the signs and symptoms of emotional abuse and triangulation. This section should cover the:

  •  physical

  •  emotional

  • and behavioral signs that someone may be experiencing emotional abuse or triangulation.


3. Causes: The third level of the hierarchy involves exploring the causes of emotional abuse and triangulation. This section should cover factors such as:

  •  childhood trauma


  • personality disorders


  •  substance abuse


  • and other mental health issues that may contribute to abusive behavior.


4. Effects: The fourth level of the hierarchy involves examining the effects of emotional abuse and triangulation on victims. This section should cover the short-term effects such as:


  • anxiety


  • depression


  • and low self-esteem


as well as the long-term effects such as:


  •  PTSD


  • chronic health problems


  •  and difficulty forming healthy relationships.


5. Prevention: The fifth level of the hierarchy involves discussing prevention strategies for emotional abuse and triangulation. This section should cover how to recognize abusive behavior early on in a relationship, how to set boundaries with abusers, and how to get help if you or someone you know is experiencing emotional abuse or triangulation.







Shaming can be defined as the act of making someone feel ashamed or embarrassed by criticizing or ridiculing them for their actions, behaviors, or beliefs. It can take many forms, including public humiliation, belittling, name-calling, and mocking.


When it comes to hierarchy for topics and subjects of shaming as emotional abuse, there are several factors to consider. Some of these include:


  •  the severity of the shaming behavior


  • the frequency with which it occurs


  • the context in which it takes place


  • and the impact it has on the victim's emotional well-being.


It is important to note that shaming can occur in a variety of settings, including:


  • personal relationships


  • workplaces


  • schools


  •  and online platforms.


 In each of these contexts, there may be different power dynamics at play that can exacerbate the harm caused by shaming.


In terms of hierarchy for topics and subjects of shaming as emotional abuse, some common examples include:


1. Body shaming: This involves making negative comments about someone's physical appearance, such as their weight, height, or skin color. Body shaming can have serious consequences for an individual's self-esteem and body image.


2. Slut-shaming: This involves criticizing someone for their sexual behavior or choices. It often perpetuates harmful stereotypes about gender roles and contributes to a culture of victim-blaming.


3. Parental shaming: This involves criticizing or belittling someone for their parenting choices or abilities. It can be particularly damaging for new parents who may already be struggling with feelings of insecurity or inadequacy.


Other examples of shaming as emotional abuse may include:


  • fat-shaming


  • victim-blaming


  •  racial or cultural shaming


  •  and LGBTQ+ shaming.


It is important to recognize that shaming as emotional abuse can have serious and long-lasting effects on an individual's mental health and well-being. It is crucial to address this issue through education, awareness-raising, and support for victims.






Intimidation is a form of emotional abuse that can be used to control and manipulate individuals in different settings, including:

  •  personal relationships

  • workplaces

  •  schools

  • and communities. 


The hierarchy for topics and subjects of intimidation as emotional abuse refers to the different levels or categories of intimidation tactics that abusers may use to intimidate their victims. 

These categories are not mutually exclusive but rather interrelated and can overlap depending on the situation.


The following is a hierarchy of topics and subjects of intimidation as emotional abuse:


1. Physical Intimidation: This is the most severe form of intimidation and involves the use of physical force or the threat of physical harm to control or manipulate someone. Physical intimidation can include acts such as:


  •  hitting


  • pushing


  •  shoving


  •  slapping


  • choking


  • or throwing objects at someone.


2. Verbal Intimidation: This form of intimidation involves the use of words to control or manipulate someone. Verbal intimidation can include:


  • yelling


  • screaming


  • name-calling


  • insulting


  • belittling


  • mocking


  • or threatening someone with harm.


3. Psychological Intimidation: This form of intimidation involves the use of psychological tactics to control or manipulate someone. Psychological intimidation can include:


  •  gaslighting (manipulating someone into doubting their own sanity)


  • isolating someone from friends and family


  • threatening to harm oneself if the victim leaves


  •  or using guilt or shame to control someone's behavior.


4. Sexual Intimidation: This form of intimidation involves using sexual behavior or language to control or manipulate someone. Sexual intimidation can include unwanted sexual advances, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape.


5. Financial Intimidation: This form of intimidation involves using financial means to control or manipulate someone. Financial intimidation can include withholding money from a partner, controlling all finances in a relationship, forcing someone to work against their will or for low wages.


6. Cyber Intimidation: This form of intimidation involves using technology to control or manipulate someone. Cyber intimidation can include stalking, harassment, or threats made through social media, email, or text messages.


It is important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive and can overlap depending on the situation. For example, physical intimidation can also be a form of sexual intimidation if it involves unwanted sexual advances or assault.








Guilt-tripping is a form of emotional abuse that involves manipulating someone's emotions to make them feel guilty or responsible for something that they are not responsible for. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as using:


  •  emotional blackmail


  • making threats


  • or using passive-aggressive behavior.


There is no specific hierarchy for topics and subjects of guilt-tripping as emotional abuse, as it can be used in a wide range of situations and contexts. However, some common topics and subjects that are often associated with guilt-tripping as emotional abuse include:


1. Family relationships: Guilt-tripping is often used in family relationships, particularly between parents and children or siblings. For example, a parent may use guilt-tripping to manipulate their child into doing something they don't want to do, or a sibling may use it to make their brother or sister feel bad about something.


2. Romantic relationships: Guilt-tripping can also be used in romantic relationships, particularly in situations where one partner is trying to control or manipulate the other. For example, a partner may use guilt-tripping to make their significant other feel bad about spending time with friends or pursuing their own interests.


3. Workplace relationships: Guilt-tripping can also be used in workplace relationships, particularly by managers or supervisors who are trying to get their employees to do something they don't want to do. For example, a manager may use guilt-tripping to make an employee feel bad about taking time off work or not working overtime.


It's important to note that guilt-tripping can be a subtle form of emotional abuse that is often difficult to recognize. If you suspect that you or someone you know is being subjected to guilt-tripping as emotional abuse, it's important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.







Isolation as emotional abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. A hierarchy for topics and subjects of isolation as emotional abuse can help identify and address this problem. The following are some of the key topics and subjects that can be included in such a hierarchy:


1. Definition of isolation as emotional abuse: The first topic to be included in the hierarchy should be a clear definition of what constitutes isolation as emotional abuse. This should include a description of the different forms of isolation, such as physical, social, and emotional isolation.


2. Signs and symptoms of isolation as emotional abuse: The second topic should cover the signs and symptoms of isolation as emotional abuse. This can include both physical and psychological symptoms, such as changes in behavior, depression, anxiety, and physical health problems.


3. Causes of isolation as emotional abuse: The third topic should explore the underlying causes of isolation as emotional abuse. This can include factors such as control issues, jealousy, insecurity, and a desire for power or dominance.


4. Effects of isolation as emotional abuse: The fourth topic should examine the long-term effects of isolation as emotional abuse on victims. This can include psychological trauma, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems.


5. Prevention and intervention strategies: The fifth topic should focus on prevention and intervention strategies for addressing isolation as emotional abuse. This can include education and awareness campaigns, counseling services, support groups, legal interventions, and other resources.


Overall, a hierarchy for topics and subjects of isolation as emotional abuse can help raise awareness about this important issue and provide victims with the support they need to recover from its effects.






Emotional abuse is a form of psychological violence that can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Fear is often used as a tool in emotional abuse to control and manipulate the victim. The hierarchy for topics and subjects of fear as emotional abuse can vary depending on the abuser's tactics and the victim's vulnerabilities. However, some common themes and topics that are often used in emotional abuse include:


1. Threats: Abusers may use threats to instill fear in their victims. These threats can be physical or non-physical in nature, such as threatening to harm the victim or their loved ones, threatening to leave or abandon the victim, or threatening to reveal embarrassing information about the victim.


2. Isolation: Abusers may isolate their victims from friends and family members as a way to control them. This can include limiting their access to communication devices, preventing them from leaving the house or attending social events, or even moving them to a new location where they have no support system.


3. Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a tactic used by abusers to make their victims doubt their own perceptions and reality. This can include denying that abusive behavior occurred, blaming the victim for the abuse, or manipulating evidence to make it seem like the victim is at fault.


4. Intimidation: Abusers may use intimidation tactics such as yelling, screaming, or physically intimidating their victims as a way to control them.


5. Financial Control: Abusers may control their victims financially by limiting access to money or controlling all financial decisions.


6. Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is a form of emotional abuse that involves using sex as a tool for control and manipulation.


7. Verbal Abuse: Verbal abuse includes any type of language that is used to belittle, demean, or insult the victim. This can include name-calling, mocking, or using derogatory language.


8. Stalking: Stalking is a form of emotional abuse that involves following, monitoring, or harassing the victim.


In conclusion, the hierarchy for topics and subjects of fear as emotional abuse can vary depending on the abuser's tactics and the victim's vulnerabilities. However, some common themes and topics that are often used in emotional abuse include:


  •  threats


  •  isolation


  •  gaslighting


  • intimidation


  • financial control


  •  sexual abuse


  • verbal abuse


  • and stalking.





Scales to Measure Emotional Abuse

Psychological Maltreatment Inventory

 (Tolman, 1989) 

behavioral checklists to measure emotional abuse

 (Garcia-Moreno et al., 2006

the Abuse Behavior Inventory

 (ABI; Shepard & Campbell, 1992);

Conflict Tactics Scale

 (CTS; Straus, 1979; Straus, Hamby, Boney-McCoy & Sugarman, 1996) 

Women’s Experience with Battering (WEB) Scale

 (Smith, Earp, & DeVellis, 1995).


 aggregate prevalence measure. 

 

emotional abuse as a construct separate from physical abuse, worthy of its own theories and prevention strategies 

(O’Leary & Maiuro, 2001).


Men can be abused

 (. Mills et al., 2003), 


geriatrics can also be physically and/or mentally abused

 (. Zink, Jacobson, Regan & Pabst, 2004).


A violation of human rights is intimate partner violence, yet it is prevalent in our culture.

 (Campbell, 2002; Garcia-Moreno, Jansen, Ellsberg, Heise, & Watts, 2006; Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000).


Behavior of a nonphysical attitude acting to create fear or humiliation to undermine, control, subjugate, isolate, punish or subdue is considered emotional abuse

 (Engel, 2002).


Emotional abuse

Abuse of a person's emotional state   includes:


  •   assault


  •  dominance


  •  belittling


  •  control


  • degradation


  • intimate knowledge


  • isolation


  • ridicule, 


  • verbal assault


(Follingstad, Coyne, & Gambone, 2005).