Emotional Abuse in Relationships

Study Notes

Definition: A pattern of behavior where one partner uses emotional manipulation, coercion, or intimidation to control and dominate the other partner.
Signs of emotional abuse:
- Name-calling, blaming, or criticizing
- Gaslighting (making someone question their own sanity)
- Isolation from friends and family
- Emotional blackmail or threats
- Constant monitoring or checking in
Effects of emotional abuse:
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Difficulty trusting oneself or others
- Feeling trapped or helpless

Effective communication in relationships:
- Active listening (giving full attention, avoiding interrupting)
- Expressing oneself clearly and assertively
- Using "I" statements instead of "you" statements
- Avoiding assumptions and clarifying expectations
- Apologizing and making amends when needed
Barriers to effective communication:
- Defensiveness or stonewalling
- Avoiding difficult conversations
- Assuming the other person's thoughts or feelings
- Not making time for meaningful conversations

Definition: Clear limits and expectations in a relationship to maintain emotional and physical well-being.
Types of boundaries:
- Physical (personal space, touch, intimacy)
- Emotional (emotional labor, emotional support)
- Intellectual (sharing ideas, opinions, and values)
Setting boundaries:
- Communicating clearly and assertively
- Being specific and consistent
- Prioritizing self-care and self-protection
- Being open to compromise and negotiation

Definition: A close, personal connection with someone, characterized by emotional closeness, trust, and vulnerability.
Types of intimacy:
- Emotional intimacy (deep emotional connection)
- Physical intimacy (physical touch, affection)
- Intellectual intimacy (sharing ideas, values, and beliefs)
Building intimacy:
- Practicing empathy and validation
- Engaging in shared activities and hobbies
- Practicing vulnerability and openness
- Showing affection and appreciation

Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior where one partner uses emotional manipulation, coercion, or intimidation to control and dominate the other partner.
Signs of emotional abuse include name-calling, blaming, or criticizing, gaslighting, isolation from friends and family, emotional blackmail or threats, and constant monitoring or checking in.
Emotional abuse can lead to low self-esteem and self-worth, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, difficulty trusting oneself or others, and feeling trapped or helpless.

Effective communication in relationships involves active listening, expressing oneself clearly and assertively, using "I" statements instead of "you" statements, avoiding assumptions and clarifying expectations, and apologizing and making amends when needed.
Barriers to effective communication include defensiveness or stonewalling, avoiding difficult conversations, assuming the other person's thoughts or feelings, and not making time for meaningful conversations.

Boundaries are clear limits and expectations in a relationship to maintain emotional and physical well-being.
There are three types of boundaries: physical, emotional, and intellectual.
Setting boundaries involves communicating clearly and assertively, being specific and consistent, prioritizing self-care and self-protection, and being open to compromise and negotiation.

Intimacy is a close, personal connection with someone, characterized by emotional closeness, trust, and vulnerability.
There are three types of intimacy: emotional, physical, and intellectual.
Building intimacy involves practicing empathy and validation, engaging in shared activities and hobbies, practicing vulnerability and openness, and showing affection and appreciation.