Evidence for the Effects of Psychological Maltreatment

Psychological maltreatment has been recognized as a major form of child abuse and neglect, standing alone in some cases and almost always embedded within or accompanying other forms of maltreatment. Expert opinion and research, particularly during the last 15 years, have provided sufficient clarification of theoretical orientations to and definitions of acts of psychological maltreatment to establish a common base from which researchers and practitioners can work toward greater understanding of this phenomena. Further progress requires increases in knowledge of the impact of psychological maltreatment on child victims. This article reviews research which has revealed possible and probable consequences of psychological maltreatment in its discrete forms and when associated with other types of child maltreatment. The broad range of findings is organized to clarify the types of impact found and special attention is given to their implications for the argument that psychological maltreatment is the core component of child abuse and neglect. Recommendations for further research are provided.