This paper will also look at what is needed in the treatment of neglect and emotional abuse for these adult victims. Art therapy directives and interventions will be presented as a possible treatment option for …show more content…
One must first understand the definition of early childhood neglect to understand how individuals are impacted as adults. When defining emotional abuse and neglect, one must be careful not to imply that there is necessarily any intent or malice on the part of the parents. This is important because it is not always the parents’ intention (Engel, 2006). “Emotional abuse of a child is a pattern of behavior – meaning that it occurs on a continuous basis, over time” (Engel, 2006, p.16-18).
This pattern of behavior tends to attack a child’s sense of self-worth as well as their emotional development. It is because of this lack of self-worth that the victim sees themselves as unworthy of love and affection (Engel, 2006). This lack of positive emotional development can cause serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders that continue into adulthood. Neglect specifically, sometimes is misunderstood yet can cause serious problems for children and the adults that they become (Engel,