Psychological maltreatment is a common consequence of physical and sexual abuse but also may occur as a distinct entity. Until recently, there has been controversy regarding the definition and consequences of psychological maltreatment. Sufficient research and consensus now exist about the incidence, definition, risk factors, and consequences of psychological maltreatment to bring this form of child maltreatment to the attention of pediatricians. This technical report provides practicing pediatricians with definitions and risk factors for psychological maltreatment and details how pediatricians can prevent, recognize, and report psychological maltreatment. Contemporary references and resources are provided for pediatricians and parents
Copyright © 2002 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
2002
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Comments
Child abusers are not limited to parents
"Psychological maltreatment is a repeated pattern of damaging interactions between parent(s) and child that becomes typical of the relationship.1–3"
The key that distinguishes maltreatment or abuse from (for example) simple name calling is the realtionship between the abuser and the child. Children venerate not only their parents, but many others in their environment. Any figure of great import to the child, for example a teacher, police officer, a very close friend...can (and do) inflict devastating psychological maltreatment. I think this is so obvious as to merit a correction by the authors.