Which is a sign of emotional/psychological maltreatment?

• A. Extreme withdrawal
• B. Normal social development
• C. Strong self-esteem
• D. Regular communication

Answer: (B)

Emotional and psychological maltreatment shows up in how a child feels about themselves and how they relate to others, often manifesting as changes in mood, self-perception, and social behavior. Signs to look for include withdrawal from peers, anxiety or fear, low self-esteem, or sudden, unexplained changes in behavior or mood. Normal social development, by contrast, indicates typical, age-appropriate ways of interacting with others and feeling comfortable in social situations. That pattern does not signal maltreatment. The other options align more with negative indicators (extreme withdrawal) or with healthy functioning (strong self-esteem, regular communication). So, normal social development is not a sign of emotional/psychological maltreatment.