Mental vs Emotional Abuse
Distinguishing between Mental Abuse and Emotional Abuse can be quite challenging since the terms are often used interchangeably. Both forms of abuse fall under the general category of psychological abuse, which is defined as any act that subjects or exposes a person to behavior that is psychologically harmful. Psychological abuse can result in serious harm or injury to a person’s psyche or soul, including their mind, will, and emotions. It is important to note that abuse typically stems from a power imbalance in relationships, such as marriage, parent-child relationships, or relationships at school or in the workplace. Although Mental Abuse and Emotional Abuse share similarities, they also have subtle differences.
Key Takeaways
- Mental Abuse refers to a disturbance or damage to a person’s mind, often caused by continuous, excessive, abusive behavior such as verbal abuse, neglect, isolation, humiliation, intimidation, or domination.
- Emotional Abuse refers to a state of damaged emotions, often resulting from verbal abuse, domination, manipulation, intimidation, humiliation, threats, insults, neglect, blame, excessive criticism, isolation, or rejection.
- The main difference between Mental Abuse and Emotional Abuse is that Mental Abuse affects a person’s thoughts and thought process, while Emotional Abuse affects a person’s emotions and feelings.
