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Psychological Maltreatmnent: Emphasis on Prevention

Psychological maltreatment (i.e. emotional abuse and neglect) is probably more prevalent and potentially more destructive than other forms of child maltreatment. Rejection, one of its major forms, has been found to negatively affect child development in all countries where it has been studied. However, psychological maltreatment has been given relatively little attention by the general public and helping professions, and it has seldom been the primary target of research or intervention. This article reviews the state of knowledge of psychological maltreatment, giving attention to its position as the core issue in child maltreatment based on the assumptions that: (a) it is inherent in all forms of child maltreatment; (b) the major negative effects of child maltreatment are generally psychological in nature; and (c) the concept clarifies and unifies the dynamics that underlie the destructive power of all forms of child abuse and neglect. Prevention is identified as the general strategy having the most potential for dealing with psychological maltreatment. A conceptual framework and specific suggestions for preventing psychological maltreatment are presented which (a) target assistance to both perpetrators and victims; (b) emphasize satisfying basic psychological needs, developing critical knowledge and skills and reducing negative stress; and (c) have applications at individual, family and community/society levels. Special consideration is given to cross-cultural issues and the manner in which schooling practices may perpetrate, ameliorate, and prevent psychological maltreatment.