Abandonment (emotional)

Abandonment (emotional) is a subjective emotional state in which individuals feel undesired, left behind, insecure, or discarded. People experiencing emotional abandonment may feel at loss, cut off from a crucial source of sustenance that has been withdrawn, either suddenly, or through a process of erosion.

Definition

Emotional abandonment is a psychological construct that is characterized by a feeling of desertion and rejection. It is a subjective emotional state where a person feels left behind, unwanted, and unimportant. This can occur when a significant person in one's life is not or cannot be present in a way that is emotionally meaningful to the individual.

Causes

Emotional abandonment can be a result of physical abandonment, but it can also occur when the other person is physically present but emotionally unavailable. It can be caused by many factors, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and personality disorders. It can also be a result of a person's upbringing, particularly if they were neglected or abused as a child.

Effects

The effects of emotional abandonment can be profound and long-lasting. It can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also result in attachment issues in relationships, a fear of intimacy, and a tendency to self-isolate.

Treatment

Treatment for emotional abandonment often involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can help individuals understand and manage their feelings of abandonment, and develop healthier ways of relating to others.

See also

• Attachment theory
• Legal abandonment
• Child abandonment
• Reactive attachment disorder