Handout

Indicators of Emotional Maltreatment

Physical Indicators

Emotionally maltreated children often show non-organic failure to thrive (infants), speech disorders, and developmental delays.

Behavioral Indicators

A range of possible behavioral indicators of emotional maltreatment include:

• Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking)
• Conduct disorders (antisocial, destructive)
• Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition of play)
• Behavioral extremes (compliant, passive, undemanding, aggressive, demanding, raging)
• Overly adaptive behavior (inappropriately adult, inappropriately infantile and needy)
• Self-destructive behavior and suicide attempts
• Cruelty; seemingly taking pleasure in hurting other people or animals
• Delinquent behavior

Emotional Indicators

The developmental delays that are apt to accompany emotional maltreatment include delays in emotional development and can have a significant effect on a child's ability to age-appropriately handle his/her emotions and on his/her social interactions.

Cognitive/Academic Indicators

The developmental delays that are apt to accompany emotional maltreatment include delays in cognitive development and can have a significant effect on a child's academic performance.