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Addressing the Neglect of Emotional Neglect: Prevalence and Long-Term Consequences in a Low-Income Sample
Joshua P Mersky1, ChienTi Plummer Lee1, Rachel S Segal2
1Institute for Child and Family Well-being, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Child Maltreatment
|January 5, 2026
Summary
Emotional neglect (EN) is a common form of child maltreatment affecting 22%-57% of low-income women. EN is linked to adult mental health issues and relationship difficulties, highlighting its significant impact.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Emotional neglect (EN) is underresearched within child maltreatment studies.
- Understanding EN's prevalence and impact is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of EN in a sample of low-income women.
- To examine the psychosocial consequences of EN in adulthood.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 1,926 women receiving home visiting services was surveyed.
- Regression analyses were used to assess associations between EN and adult outcomes, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- EN prevalence ranged from 22% to 57%, exceeding general population estimates.
- EN was significantly associated with increased depression, anxiety, PTSD, and intimate partner violence.
- EN correlated with lower social support and relationship satisfaction in adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Emotional neglect is a prevalent adverse childhood experience with lasting psychosocial consequences.
- EN requires greater attention from researchers and practitioners for effective intervention strategies.
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