The Simple Guide to Emotional Neglect: What It Is and How to Help

Emotional neglect is a complex issue that can impact children and adults, affecting emotional connection and behavior. Betsy de Thierry's book provides clarity and guidance on how to identify and address emotional neglect, including practical advice for parents, carers, and professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2023
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Emotional neglect is a form of child maltreatment that involves the failure to meet a child's emotional needs, often due to a caregiver's inability or unwillingness to provide warmth, affection, and attention. It can have profound effects on a child's development, including a weakened sense of self-worth, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Emotional neglect can manifest in various ways, including ignoring a child's feelings, failing to respond to their emotional expressions, and providing inconsistent or unpredictable care. It can also occur when caregivers are overwhelmed or stressed and struggle to meet their own needs, leading to neglect of the child's emotional well-being.

Children who experience emotional neglect may struggle to develop a strong sense of self-worth and may feel disconnected from their caregivers. They may also struggle to regulate their emotions, leading to frequent outbursts and tantrums. Emotional neglect can also contribute to the development of trauma-based behaviors, such as dissociation, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. These behaviors can be difficult to manage and can have long-term effects on a child's mental health and well-being.

Adults who experienced emotional neglect as children may struggle with a range of issues, including low self-esteem, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. They may also struggle with trust issues, difficulty setting boundaries, and a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction in their lives.

There are several ways that emotional neglect can be addressed and prevented. Parents and caregivers can take steps to provide consistent and nurturing care for their children, including responding to their emotional expressions and providing opportunities for emotional regulation and expression. This can involve spending quality time with children, providing a safe and supportive environment, and modeling healthy emotional behaviors.

Professionals involved in child welfare, such as social workers, therapists, and pediatricians, can also play a role in addressing emotional neglect. They can provide support and guidance to parents and caregivers, and can work with children to help them develop healthy emotional coping skills and build strong relationships with their caregivers.

In conclusion, emotional neglect is a serious form of child maltreatment that can have profound effects on a child's development and well-being. It is important for parents, caregivers, and professionals to be aware of the signs of emotional neglect and to take steps. By providing consistent and nurturing care, responding to children's emotional expressions, and seeking professional support when needed, we can help children who experience emotional neglect to develop healthy emotional coping skills and build strong, healthy relationships with their caregivers.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839976759