Public Knowledge and Attitudes About the Nature and Impact of Child Emotional Abuse: A Systematic Review

Amy J. Morgan, Ellie Tsiamis, Cameron Tan, Qiang Chen, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, National University of Singapore, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behaviour and Mental Health, Peking University

Child Maltreatment

Published online on July 31, 2025

Abstract

Child Maltreatment, Ahead of Print.
Child emotional abuse is repeated parental behaviour that conveys to the child they are worthless, unloved, unwanted or only of value in meeting another’s needs. It is widespread and associated with mental health harms — including depression, anxiety, ...