What form of abuse does emotional neglect often fall under?

Emotional neglect is categorized as a form of emotional abuse because it involves a failure to provide emotional support or nurturing that is essential for a person's psychological well-being. This type of neglect can manifest through a lack of attention to emotional needs, failure to express love or affection, and an absence of validation of feelings. These actions or omissions can lead to significant emotional pain, feelings of worthlessness, and a negative impact on self-esteem, which are hallmark effects of emotional abuse.

While physical abuse, financial abuse, and sexual abuse each refer to different forms of maltreatment that can cause harm in specific ways—whether through bodily harm, manipulation of financial resources, or sexual exploitation—emotional neglect directly aligns with the broader scope of emotional abuse. By understanding this relationship, it becomes clear how crucial emotional support is in fostering healthy relationships and preventing the cycle of abuse.