Types of
Abandonment
Abandonment falls into two basic categories: physical and emotional. It is possible to experience one type of abandonment without the other, such as feeling emotionally abandoned by a parent yet having physical needs, like food or clothing, fully provided.
Physical abandonment occurs when appropriate physical conditions are not met, such as:
- Lack of appropriate supervision
- Lack of loving affection and nurturing
- Inadequate provision of nutrition and meals
- Inadequate clothing, housing or shelter
Physical and/or sexual abuse
Emotional abandonment occurs when parents/guardians/spouses foster a toxic emotional environment through their actions, such as:
- Unrealistic goals of achievement or expectations
- Being held personally responsible for other people’s
behavior or feelings
- Constant disapproval, criticism or discouragement
- Verbal abuse by parent/guardian/spouse
- A loved one being emotionally distant or
withholding affection