APA Dictionary of Psychology

persistent denial of approval, affection, or care of a child by one or both parents, sometimes concealed beneath a cover of overindulgence or overprotection. The frequent results are corrosion of the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence, a poor self-image, inability to form attachments to others, tantrums, generalized hostility, and development of psychophysical and emotional disturbances. See child neglect.