While emotional abuse can harm anyone, "it is particularly insidious when inflicted upon vulnerable populations like children, the elderly or individuals (who) have a history of trauma," says Guerra.

Emotional abuse is a sneaky form of mistreatment that can leave deep scars on a victim's mental health. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to act is crucial for protection and healing.

Victims of emotional abuse are also more prone to experience mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, substance misuse and suicidal ...

Emotional abuse "can also be known as 'invisible' abuse because it isn't physical, meaning it's not obvious to the eye," says licensed marriage and family therapist Payal Patel, LMFT.

Physical abuse is perhaps the most recognized, involving acts of violence that inflict bodily harm. Emotional abuse, while less visible, can be equally devastating.

First author Julia Ditzer explains, "Our results show that people who have experienced emotional abuse or emotional neglect in their childhood often report less trust in their own bodies. This can ...