Emotional abuse, often overlooked in discussions of harm and trauma, is emerging as an urgent public health concern that affects people across all walks of life—including many in Thailand. Recent expert analyses reveal that the psychological scars left by emotional abuse can be just as damaging, if not more so, than physical injuries. As global and Thai society increasingly confront the complex reality of nonphysical violence, mental health professionals urge greater awareness, prevention, and intervention strategies to address this “hidden wound” (AOL).
At the core of emotional abuse is a persistent pattern of psychological manipulation, belittlement, control, and humiliation. Unlike physical abuse, these behaviors do not leave bruises or external injuries; instead, they erode self-esteem, emotional security, and trust. Dr. Joanne Broder, a psychologist and American Psychological Association fellow, emphasizes: “The goal of emotional abuse is to make another person feel bad about themselves or guilty about a situation,” highlighting motives such as control, jealousy, and shame. Emotional abuse can take place in any relationship—between family members, romantic partners, peers, colleagues, or even strangers on social media. Its subtlety makes it dangerous, as victims may not realize the extent of harm until significant mental distress manifests.
Emotional abuse is defined as a non-physical form of psychological harm designed to exert power or control over another person. According to Dr. Juanita Guerra, a clinical psychologist, it can cause a spectrum of negative short- and long-term outcomes: impaired emotional development, difficulties in forming healthy relationships, and diminished performance in work or school settings. The damage frequently extends to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, self-harm, substance misuse, and suicidal thoughts (Wikipedia: Emotional abuse).
Research from Emory University professor Dr. Nadine Kaslow and others underscores the gravity of these effects by linking emotional abuse to measurable physical symptoms including headaches, stomach ulcers, and insomnia, in addition to psychological distress. Dr. Lisa Elliott, a psychologist at Cook Children’s Behavioral Health Clinic, remarks that the consequences are even more severe for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with traumatic histories.
Specific behaviors that constitute emotional abuse can include constant criticism, name-calling, intimidation, manipulation through blame, shame or guilt, gaslighting, humiliation, social exclusion, and the silent treatment. These can take place in domestic settings, schools (where, for example, exclusion from social groups is a frequent tactic), workplaces, and online environments (AOL; Wikipedia).
For victims, recognizing emotional abuse is often difficult. Dr. Guerra notes, “Sometimes emotional abuse is so subtle it’s not even identified by the person who is receiving it until there is considerable distress.” Once identified, experts recommend setting healthy boundaries with perpetrators (e.g., clearly asking not to be called names), seeking support from trusted individuals such as family, teachers, counselors, or HR representatives, and when necessary, professional therapy. Helplines such as the US-based National Domestic Violence Hotline offer confidential 24/7 support; in Thailand, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and NGOs provide similar resources.
Globally, research is drawing stronger connections between emotional abuse and long-term health outcomes. A 2025 study published in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System across 33 US states confirmed a significant correlation between adverse childhood emotional experiences and the development of chronic illnesses in adulthood (PubMed). Other recent international studies examine how home visitation programs or community-level interventions can mitigate the developmental and behavioral impacts of emotional abuse on children (PubMed). Importantly, research shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which include emotional abuse, are linked with social exclusion, emotional distress, and even intergenerational trauma.
Within the Thai context, emotional abuse remains under-acknowledged—often hidden beneath cultural norms or misperceptions regarding “acceptable” discipline, especially toward children. However, recent developments signal a shift. Thailand’s government has joined the global movement against physical punishment, but experts caution that progress against emotional abuse lags due to societal ambiguity about nonphysical harm (The Nation Thailand; Bangkok Post).
Statistics from the Ministry of Public Health reveal that nearly 9,000 children were medically treated for abuse in 2017, though experts from UNICEF and research institutions believe the true number—including emotional abuse—may be significantly higher due to underreporting (UNICEF Thailand). A research survey in Bangkok found that 38% of young people (aged 16–25) reported experiencing some form of childhood abuse, with emotional abuse likely comprising a large proportion (ResearchGate; PubMed).
The Thai government has recently strengthened legal frameworks to address violence against children and vulnerable adults, including increasing penalties for repeat offenders and extending protections beyond physical harm. Yet, challenges persist. Dr. Kaslow and Thai child welfare advocates stress that the lack of clear legal definitions for emotional abuse, coupled with deep-seated traditional attitudes about parenting and hierarchy, impede effective intervention. Community-level child protection and mental health expertise remain insufficient, especially outside Bangkok and major urban centers (UNICEF Thailand).
Thais who experience or witness emotional abuse are encouraged to seek support from local social services, public health professionals, or mental health helplines. School counselors, religious leaders, and HR departments can often play key roles in providing initial advice or referral. Importantly, Thai readers should recognize that “healing from emotional abuse requires a large dose of self-care and surrounding yourself with people, things, and experiences that bring you joy and help you feel validated and valued,” as Dr. Broder encourages (AOL).
Looking forward, emerging research underscores the importance of early intervention and community education. Preventive approaches—such as parental training, school-based awareness programs, and digital literacy for children—are crucial in building resilience against psychological harm. Programs targeting adverse childhood experiences have shown promise overseas and could be adapted for the Thai context (PubMed). At the policy level, continued reform, clearer definitions of nonphysical abuse, and increased mental health resources must be prioritized to protect Thailand’s most vulnerable groups.
For Thai individuals and families, practical recommendations include: learning to recognize signs of emotional abuse (such as gaslighting, sustained criticism, or manipulation); fostering open communication among family and friends; seeking early advice from mental health or social service professionals; and supporting community-based education that normalizes talking about emotional and mental well-being. Above all, Thai readers are reminded that nobody deserves to be mistreated and that help is available, whether through government services, NGOs, or peer support networks.
In a society that values harmony and respect, it is critical to understand that emotional abuse, though often invisible, leaves lasting harm. By confronting this issue, Thailand can take meaningful steps toward ensuring all citizens—especially the most vulnerable—can live, learn, and thrive in environments of dignity and psychological safety.