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Essay on Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse is the willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, or other verbal or nonverbal conduct. Cultural values and expectations play a significant role in how psychological abuse is manifested and how it affects its victims. The behavior and attitude of any person that negligently or purposely endangers or impairs the behavioral, intellectual, emotional or physical functioning of a child is regarded as psychological abuse. Perpetrators may be family members, caregivers, or acquaintances. Persons who are isolated and lack social or emotional support are particularly vulnerable (Galanter, 1989).
Psychological abuse exists in the workplace. Workers suffer sustained degenerative abuse that undermines their self-confidence and leads to debilitating life changes. The abusers affect workers above and below them and are usually well known for their behavior. Abuse of others in the workplace is not acceptable. The abuse needs to be recognized in all its ugliness, documented and brought out from behind the ‘respectable’ roles and actions that guide it (Goldhammer, 1996).
If the abuse can be isolated to an individual or small group, then the power and opportunity to abuse can be reduced. Where possible, change the job role of the abusers and remove them from any activity where they will have influence over workers who could be vulnerable. Induction programs, mentoring programs, leaders of small task groups and controlling the work schedules of individuals are not for these people. Do not reward any outcome that has been completed at the expense of someone else’s health. Identify specific behavior and, whenever possible, document the abusive behavior. Challenge the behavior at every opportunity. Back up the challenge with documented evidence. Challenge the abuser’s explanation with clarifying questions and insist on specific answers to questions. Unless the abuser takes responsibility for abusive behavior, no change can occur (Quinn, Tomita, 1997)................
