By Jaslyn Bush, UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment that can have profound and long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental health. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse can often go unnoticed, making it harder to detect and address. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) (2018), emotional abuse is defined as “a pattern of behavior in which one person deliberately and repeatedly subjects another to nonphysical acts that are detrimental to behavioral and affective functioning and overall mental well-being.”

Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, affecting self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Emotional abuse involves behaviors that manipulate, degrade, or control another person through tactics such as belittling, humiliation, intimidation, and constant criticism (Graham-Kevan & Archer, 2008). It can occur in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, family dynamics, and workplaces. While emotional abuse does not leave visible scars like physical abuse, its effects are deeply ingrained and can often result in long-term psychological harm (Graham-Kevan & Archer, 2008).

One of the primary characteristics of emotional abuse is the erosion of the victim’s self-esteem. Abusers often use tactics like gaslighting—making the victim question their sense of reality—leading to confusion, self-doubt, and insecurity. Over time, the individual may begin to internalize negative messages, believing they are unworthy, inadequate, or incapable of achieving happiness or success (Swan & Snow, 2002).

Psychological Effects of Emotional Abuse

Victims of psychological abuse may often experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression because of ongoing stress and manipulation. A study by Lawrence et al. (2020) found that individuals who experienced emotional abuse were more likely to report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors compared to those who had not been abused. The lack of visible scars from emotional abuse can make it harder for others to recognize the trauma a person is undergoing, leaving individuals feeling isolated and unsupported.

Emotional abuse also disrupts an individual’s ability to form healthy relationships. Victims may struggle with trust issues, low self-worth, and an inability to set boundaries, which can affect their social interactions and lead to further isolation. This cycle of isolation and emotional turmoil perpetuates the abuse, making it even harder to escape from unhealthy dynamics (Graham-Kevan & Archer, 2008).

Emotional abuse is a silent yet devastating form of mistreatment that can have severe effects on mental health. Its impact is often long-lasting, affecting self-esteem, causing anxiety and depression, and hindering the ability to form healthy relationships. It’s important to realize that emotional abuse can happen within any type of relationship, not just romantic ones. Have you experienced emotional abuse? If so, are you willing to share your stories to support others who are living with emotional abuse? Feel free to share your thoughts below or interact with us on Facebook at the WilkinsonWellnessLab.

References

American Psychological Association. “APA Dictionary of Psychology.” Dictionary.apa.org, 19 Apr. 2018, dictionary.apa.org/emotional-abuse.

Graham-Kevan, N., & Archer, J. (2008). Emotional abuse in relationships: A study of its prevalence and impact. Journal of Family Violence, 23(8), 561-570. 

Lawrence, E., Yoon, M., & Langer, A. (2020). The psychological impact of emotional abuse: A review. Psychology of Violence, 10(4), 423-432. 

Swan, S. C., & Snow, D. L. (2002). A typology of women’s responses to abusive relationships. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 26(2), 128-138.