Identifying psychological abuse and emotional abuse is challenging. Often a person in an abusive relationship is unaware that they are experiencing harm due to the insidious nature of these behaviors; however, they are considered a form of domestic violence. Additionally, because psychological and emotional abuse is less outwardly obvious than physical abuse, it isn’t easy to seek help or to know that help is needed.
Psychological abuse is a stronger predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than physical abuse among women. It’s also been found that subtle psychological abuse is more harmful than direct aggression or overt emotional abuse, particularly impacting an individual’s self-esteem.
What is Psychological Abuse?
Psychological abuse, also known as mental abuse, is damaging. It can be subtle, meaning a person could exist in a relationship for months or years without understanding what is happening. Covert signs of abuse may be disguised in actions that appear harmless at first but, over time, damage and bring down the recipient of these actions.
A psychological abuser needs power and control and is often aware of their actions. The symptoms of this type of abuse vary widely but have power and control at their core, each with a specific pattern of behavior. Signs may include being overly critical, defensiveness and manipulation, and lack of empathy. A psychological abuser will likely employ gaslighting their victim.
What is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse is any non-physical behavior intended to manipulate, control, or diminish another person’s self-worth. These behaviors may include name-calling or other verbal abuse, making threats, or attempts by the abusive person to manipulate the actions of their victim. An emotionally abusive relationship can take a serious toll on the well-being of victims of emotional abuse and lead to ongoing psychological issues.
Additional examples of emotional abuse:
- Constant monitoring of your whereabouts and who you spend time with
- Humiliation
- Excessive jealousy
- Dismissiveness
Sometimes emotional abuse is more apparent, like a partner yelling at you or calling you names. Other times it can be less obvious, like your partner acting jealous of your friends or not wanting you to hang out with someone of another gender. While these emotionally abusive behaviors do not leave physical marks, they cause the victim to feel disempowered and potentially experience trauma.
Psychological Abuse vs. Emotional Abuse: Similarities
Both emotional and psychological abuse can affect your mental health as well as your physical health. Common emotions you may experience are confusion, nervousness, anxiety, feeling powerless, shame, and more. There may be pressure to stay in this relationship despite your awareness that things don’t feel right, with attempts to bargain with the abuser and change their behavior. It is not unusual for an abuse victim to feel like they are to blame.
Some professionals classify psychological abuse as a type of emotional abuse, as emotional abuse is a broader category.
Psychological Abuse vs. Emotional Abuse: Differences
Psychological and emotional abuse are terms often used interchangeably but are not the same. While there is an overlap between the two, psychological abuse involves stronger tactics and impacts a victim’s mental capacity. This type of abuse affects how someone thinks, not only how they feel, as in emotional abuse.
Psychological abuse is more likely to involve gaslighting. Gaslighting is a term used to describe a pattern of behavior where an abuser denies events that happened regardless of your experience or recollection of said events or acts. This may look like twisting your words and emotions only to use them against you, which often results in feeling like you’re “losing your mind” or “going crazy.” This experience is confusing and part of the shame and self-doubt cycles many abuse victims fall into with ongoing psychological abuse.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Psychological and Emotional Abuse?
While these behaviors may not cause physical harm, they are not characteristic of healthy relationships, and long-lasting trauma can occur. Mental and emotional abuse is deceptive and meant to isolate and frighten you while reducing your control over the circumstances. A loss of power in the context of a relationship can significantly impact an individual’s well-being. As a result, low self-esteem can make it challenging for an abuse victim to seek the help they need due to feeling unworthy and having self-doubt about being able to feel better moving forward.
Studies show that emotional abuse over the long term can lead to health problems, such as chronic pain, substance abuse, and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It is common for a person in an abusive situation to develop insecurities about their identity, with a notable decrease in their sense of self.
Rychel Johnson, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice, Empower Mental Wellness, where she specializes in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, toddler, and two cats. Learn more about Rychel at rycheljohnson.com.
