Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's psychological development or sense of self-worth. This may include threats, constant criticism, or withholding love.

Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's psychological development or sense of self-worth. This may include threats, constant criticism, or withholding love.

• A. Physical
• B. Sexual
• C. Emotional
• D. Neglect

Answer: (C)

The key concept here is identifying forms of abuse by the type of harm to a child’s well-being. The description—patterns like threats, constant criticism, and withholding love—targets the child’s emotional and psychological health, impairing self-worth and development. That’s what emotional abuse is. Physical abuse involves bodily harm or injury, sexual abuse involves exploitation of a sexual nature, and neglect is the failure to meet basic needs or provide emotional or physical care. The statement’s emphasis on psychological impact and damage to self-worth aligns specifically with emotional abuse, not the other types. Recognizing this matters because the effects on mental health and self-esteem can be profound even without visible injuries.

The key concept here is identifying forms of abuse by the type of harm to a child’s well-being. The description—patterns like threats, constant criticism, and withholding love—targets the child’s emotional and psychological health, impairing self-worth and development. That’s what emotional abuse is.

Physical abuse involves bodily harm or injury, sexual abuse involves exploitation of a sexual nature, and neglect is the failure to meet basic needs or provide emotional or physical care. The statement’s emphasis on psychological impact and damage to self-worth aligns specifically with emotional abuse, not the other types. Recognizing this matters because the effects on mental health and self-esteem can be profound even without visible injuries.