From the Guidelines
Emotional abuse in a marriage is a serious issue that can cause significant harm to a person's mental and emotional well-being, and it is essential to recognize the signs and seek help immediately. Emotional abuse in a marriage includes behaviors like constant criticism, name-calling, humiliation, controlling behaviors, isolation from friends and family, gaslighting (making someone question their reality), withholding affection as punishment, making threats, and using children as pawns, as described in the context of intimate partner violence 1. Some key points to consider about emotional abuse in a marriage include:
- It can be just as harmful as physical abuse, causing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, and the damage often accumulates over time as the victim's self-esteem erodes.
- Signs may include feeling constantly anxious, walking on eggshells, doubting your perceptions, or making excuses for your partner's behavior.
- If you recognize these patterns in your relationship, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or domestic violence hotline for support, as recommended for victims of intimate partner violence 1.
- Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity in their relationships, and emotional abuse is never the victim's fault. It is crucial to address emotional abuse in a marriage to prevent long-term harm to the victim's mental and emotional well-being, and seeking help is the first step towards a healthier and safer relationship.
From the Research
Examples of Emotional Abuse in a Marriage
There are no research papers provided to assist in answering this question, as the studies available are focused on the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders using SSRIs and SNRIs, and do not address the topic of emotional abuse in a marriage.
- The studies provided discuss the efficacy and side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs in treating mood and anxiety disorders 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- They do not provide information on emotional abuse or its examples in a marriage.
- Therefore, it is not possible to provide examples of emotional abuse in a marriage based on the available studies.