Neglect
The Effects of Neglect on Attachment
Introduction In the 1960s neglect was the major form of maltreatment in the USA, until it became recognized that physical and sexual abuse was a growing concern. Since the 70s neglect received less attention because of the overwhelming rise in physical and sexual abuse. Latest research is now bringing to light the effects of emotional neglect on children.
After a brief discussion on neglect per se, this paper will discuss the effects of psychological maltreatment/emotional neglect on the child and his/her attachment style.
Definition
In Australia neglect is defined by DoCS as:
“ The continued failure by a parent or caregiver to provide a child with the basic things needed for his or her proper growth and development, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care and adequate supervision.
However due to mounting knowledge about children’s requirements for nurturing and emotional affection to enhance their development, emotional neglect is included in the Practice Guidance for DoCS Caseworkers.”
Definition of Emotional Neglect “A repeated pattern of damaging interactions between parent(s) and child that becomes typical of the relationship. (National Center of Child Abuse and Neglect, 1997)
Categories of Neglect
Neglect can be represented under four main categories:
Physical: abandonment, expulsion, nutritional, clothing, healthcare, lack of supervision, exposure to hazards, inappropriate care giving
Environmental: inadequate nurturing or affection, spouse abuse, substance abuse, maladaptive behavior, isolation
Educational: permitted truancy, failure to enroll at school, inattention to special educational needs
Psychological/Emotional: spurning, terrorizing, exploiting, corrupting, denying emotional responsiveness i.e. ignoring, failing to express care or love, rejecting, isolating, inconsistent parenting, neglecting mental health, medical and educational needs, witnessing spouse violence.
Introduction In the 1960s neglect was the major form of maltreatment in the USA, until it became recognized that physical and sexual abuse was a growing concern. Since the 70s neglect received less attention because of the overwhelming rise in physical and sexual abuse. Latest research is now bringing to light the effects of emotional neglect on children.
After a brief discussion on neglect per se, this paper will discuss the effects of psychological maltreatment/emotional neglect on the child and his/her attachment style.
Definition
In Australia neglect is defined by DoCS as:
“ The continued failure by a parent or caregiver to provide a child with the basic things needed for his or her proper growth and development, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care and adequate supervision.
However due to mounting knowledge about children’s requirements for nurturing and emotional affection to enhance their development, emotional neglect is included in the Practice Guidance for DoCS Caseworkers.”
Definition of Emotional Neglect “A repeated pattern of damaging interactions between parent(s) and child that becomes typical of the relationship. (National Center of Child Abuse and Neglect, 1997)
Categories of Neglect
Neglect can be represented under four main categories:
Physical: abandonment, expulsion, nutritional, clothing, healthcare, lack of supervision, exposure to hazards, inappropriate care giving
Environmental: inadequate nurturing or affection, spouse abuse, substance abuse, maladaptive behavior, isolation
Educational: permitted truancy, failure to enroll at school, inattention to special educational needs
Psychological/Emotional: spurning, terrorizing, exploiting, corrupting, denying emotional responsiveness i.e. ignoring, failing to express care or love, rejecting, isolating, inconsistent parenting, neglecting mental health, medical and educational needs, witnessing spouse violence.