Understanding Emotional Abuse: Insights from the Deenz Emotional Abuse Scale (DEAS-18)

Emotional abuse is a serious issue that affects many people in different ways. It can happen in relationships, families, workplaces, and social settings. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse does not leave visible marks, but it can deeply harm a person’s mental health and self-esteem. To better understand emotional abuse, we conducted a study using the Deenz Emotional Abuse Scale (DEAS-18). This scale helps measure different aspects of emotional abuse, such as manipulation, humiliation, and control. For this study, we collected data from 34 participants. Each person answered 18 questions that assessed their experiences and perceptions related to emotional abuse. The questions were designed to capture various behaviors that may be emotionally harmful. Participants rated their agreement with each statement on a scale from 1 to 5. A score of 1 meant they strongly disagreed, while a score of 5 meant they strongly agreed. This allowed us to measure how frequently they experienced or engaged in emotionally abusive behaviors. The participants in this study were between 18 and 60 years old. They identified as male, female, or other. By including a diverse group of people, we aimed to understand how emotional abuse is experienced across different ages and genders. Emotional abuse can affect anyone, but some groups may be more vulnerable than others. Analyzing the responses from a wide range of participants helps us see different patterns and trends. After collecting the data, we analyzed the responses to find common patterns. The results showed that emotional abuse experiences varied among individuals. Some participants reported frequent emotional abuse in their relationships, while others had lower scores, indicating fewer experiences of such behaviors. The average scores suggested that manipulation and control were common forms of emotional abuse experienced by participants. Many also reported experiencing humiliation, which can significantly damage self-esteem. Emotional abuse can have long-term effects on a person’s well-being. It can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and difficulty in trusting others. In some cases, people may not even realize they are experiencing emotional abuse because it can be subtle and happen gradually. This is why studies like this are important—they help raise awareness and provide valuable information that can lead to positive change. The findings from this study can be useful for professionals who work in mental health, social services, and education. Therapists and counselors can use this information to recognize emotional abuse patterns and provide support to those affected. Teachers and social workers can also benefit from this research, as emotional abuse often starts at a young age and can impact a person’s future relationships and success. The data collected in this study is stored in a structured format, allowing researchers to analyze it further. Future research can compare results across different populations and explore factors that contribute to emotional abuse. Understanding emotional abuse better can help society create healthier relationships and support systems. By studying emotional abuse, we can help people recognize harmful behaviors and encourage healthier interactions. Emotional abuse should not be ignored, and awareness is the first step toward change. Through research and education, we can work toward a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued in their relationships.