Childhood is a time when all sorts of things can go wrong with parenting and family dynamics. Childhood trauma is a public health issue. Usually, when we hear childhood trauma, we think of physical or emotional abuse. These are obvious forms of childhood trauma. A non-obvious, and more prevalent, form occurs, not through what shouldn’t have happened, but what should’ve happened but didn’t.1Stoltenborgh, M., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & Van Ijzendoorn, M. H. (2013). The neglect of child neglect: a meta-analytic review of the prevalence of neglect. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 48(3), 345-355.
This covert form of childhood trauma is childhood emotional neglect, which occurs when caregivers consistently ignore their child’s emotional needs. For their optimal psychosocial development, children need the emotional support of their caregivers, often parents.2Müller, L. E., Bertsch, K., Bülau, K., Herpertz, S. C., & Buchheim, A. (2019). Emotional neglect in childhood shapes social dysfunctioning in adults by influencing the oxytocin and the attachment system: Results from a population-based study. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 136, 73-80.
The test
This test is based on the following validated scales of childhood trauma and neglect:
- Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF)3Bernstein, D. P., Stein, J. A., Newcomb, M. D., Walker, E., Pogge, D., Ahluvalia, T., … & Zule, W. (2003). Development and validation of a brief screening version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Child abuse & neglect, 27(2), 169-190.
- Interview for Traumatic Experiences in Childhood (ITEC)4Lobbestael, J., Arntz, A., Harkema-Schouten, P., & Bernstein, D. (2009). Development and psychometric evaluation of a new assessment method for childhood maltreatment experiences: The interview for traumatic events in childhood (ITEC). Child Abuse & Neglect, 33(8), 505-517.
- Child Neglect Questionnaire (CEQ)5Stewart, C., Kirisci, L., Long, A. L., & Giancola, P. R. (2015). Development and psychometric evaluation of the child neglect questionnaire. Journal of interpersonal violence, 30(19), 3343-3366.
- Behavioral History of Emotional Neglect (BHEN)6Robinson, S. (2024). Objective Measures of Childhood Emotional Neglect. Western Carolina University.
Disclaimer: This test is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a clinical diagnosis. Childhood emotional neglect is a complex psychological pattern. If your results are distressing or significantly impact your life, consider consulting a licensed mental health professional.
Time Left:
00
:
00 :
00
HRS
MIN
SEC
Time Spent: %%TIMESPENT%%
Time expired. Sorry, you will not be able to continue with this quiz. Please opt-in to see the result.
SEC
HRS
MIN
SEC
SEC
Total Time
[SQBTimeSpent]
0
HRS
0
MIN
0
SEC
Childhood emotional neglect test
A self-assessment to check for emotional neglect patterns in your childhood and its effects in adulthood.
TAKE THIS TEST
1%
My caregivers did not listen when I had problems.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My feelings were ignored or dismissed.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My caregivers did not check on me when I was upset.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I felt emotionally alone in my family.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My family was not a reliable source of emotional support.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My caregivers did not understand my feelings or perspective.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I was made to feel that my emotions were excessive or wrong.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I could not openly express my true feelings.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I did not feel accepted for how I felt.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I did not receive enough warmth or affection (e.g., hugs, comfort).
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I was not told that my caregivers were proud of me.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My caregivers showed little interest in my daily experiences.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I was expected to handle my emotions on my own.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I did not receive enough guidance on how to deal with emotions.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I felt I had no one to turn to for emotional support.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
When I needed comfort, it was not available.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I had to rely on myself more than was appropriate for my age.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I was left alone frequently or felt emotionally abandoned.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My needs for attention and care were not prioritized.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My caregivers were emotionally unavailable (e.g., distracted, disengaged).
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I was not encouraged to talk about my feelings.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
My emotional needs were treated as less important than other concerns.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I have difficulty identifying what I feel.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I feel like a burden when I need support.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I find it hard to emotionally connect with others.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
I have trouble calming myself when distressed.
Enter any additional information about the quiz
Never true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsRarely true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsSometimes true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsOften true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsVery often true
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd TagsView All Assigned TagsBack
Next
%%QUESTIONANSWERS%%
Skip Opt-in
Almost there...
Where can we email you the results? Please enter details below.
You got a score of %%YOURSCORE%% out of 128
Low indicators
Low indicators
You likely received sufficient emotional attunement growing up.
What this means:
1. You can identify and process emotions relatively well
2. Relationships may feel more secure and natural
Recommended:
What this means:
1. You can identify and process emotions relatively well
2. Relationships may feel more secure and natural
Recommended:
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT%%
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER%%
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_ONLY_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER]
You got a score of %%YOURSCORE%% out of 128
Mild indicators
Mild indicators
Some emotional needs may have been overlooked.
Common patterns:
1. Occasional emotional disconnection
2. Difficulty expressing deeper needs
What helps:
1. Building emotional vocabulary
2. Practicing safe vulnerability
Common patterns:
1. Occasional emotional disconnection
2. Difficulty expressing deeper needs
What helps:
1. Building emotional vocabulary
2. Practicing safe vulnerability
Recommended:
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT%%
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER%%
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_ONLY_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER]
You got a score of %%YOURSCORE%% out of 128
Moderate indicators
Moderate indicators
Clear signs of emotional neglect affecting your internal world.
Common patterns:
Common patterns:
1. Emotional numbness or confusion
2. Self-criticism and difficulty receiving support
What helps:
1. Structured emotional awareness practice
2. Relearning self-validation
Recommended:
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT%%
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER%%
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_ONLY_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER]
You got a score of %%YOURSCORE%% out of 128
High indicators
High indicators
Strong and persistent emotional neglect patterns.
Common patterns:
1. Chronic emptiness
2. Avoidance of emotional closeness
3. Deep discomfort with needs and dependency
What helps:
1. Gradual emotional reconnection
2. Working with a therapist (especially attachment-focused)
Common patterns:
1. Chronic emptiness
2. Avoidance of emotional closeness
3. Deep discomfort with needs and dependency
What helps:
1. Gradual emotional reconnection
2. Working with a therapist (especially attachment-focused)
Recommended:
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT%%
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER%%
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_ONLY_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER]
Retake
YOUR TOTAL POINTS
0
Category-level breakdown
This test consists of 6 subscales, and your total score is the sum of all the scores on individual subscales.
Emotionally unresponsive
A high score in this category indicates that caregivers failed to notice, attend to, or respond to your emotional needs, especially when you were in distress.
Emotionally invalidating
A high score on this indicates that your feelings were dismissed, minimized, criticized, or treated as wrong or excessive.
Emotionally cold
A high score shows a lack of warmth, affection, and emotional closeness, making relationships feel distant or impersonal.
Emotionally unsupportive
A high score shows you were expected to handle emotions alone, with little guidance, comfort, or reassurance.
Emotional neglect environment
The overall family atmosphere lacked emotional availability, prioritization of needs, and open communication.
Internalized adult patterns
A high score indicates lasting effects of neglect, including emotional disconnection, self-criticism, and difficulty with intimacy and support.
Impact
Children need to feel they matter, that their thoughts and emotions matter. Caregivers who are responsive to their children’s emotional needs raise securely attached children. These children grow up with high self-esteem and stable identities.
Emotional neglect deprives a child of opportunities to learn how to express, understand, and regulate their emotions. The long-term impact of that is identity and attachment issues that lead to problems in social relationships.7Berzenski, S. R. (2019). Distinct emotion regulation skills explain psychopathology and problems in social relationships following childhood emotional abuse and neglect. Development and psychopathology, 31(2), 483-496.
Emotionally neglected children grow up to be adults who:
- tend to have problems regulating stress
- are likely to have an insecure attachment style
- tend to believe their feelings don’t matter
- tend to have a negative view of people and the world
- don’t expect relationships to work
- are likely to suffer from addiction or eating disorders8La Rosa, V. L., Tortorella, F., & Commodari, E. (2025). A Narrative Review of the Co-Occurrence and Interaction of Childhood Emotional Neglect and Overprotection in Developmental Pathways to Disordered Eating. Children, 12(12), 1643.
Unlike abuse, which is often intentional, neglect can be unintentional. Certain life circumstances, like divorce, addiction, and accidents, can leave children unintentionally neglected.
References
- 1Stoltenborgh, M., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & Van Ijzendoorn, M. H. (2013). The neglect of child neglect: a meta-analytic review of the prevalence of neglect. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 48(3), 345-355.
- 2Müller, L. E., Bertsch, K., Bülau, K., Herpertz, S. C., & Buchheim, A. (2019). Emotional neglect in childhood shapes social dysfunctioning in adults by influencing the oxytocin and the attachment system: Results from a population-based study. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 136, 73-80.
- 3Bernstein, D. P., Stein, J. A., Newcomb, M. D., Walker, E., Pogge, D., Ahluvalia, T., … & Zule, W. (2003). Development and validation of a brief screening version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Child abuse & neglect, 27(2), 169-190.
- 4Lobbestael, J., Arntz, A., Harkema-Schouten, P., & Bernstein, D. (2009). Development and psychometric evaluation of a new assessment method for childhood maltreatment experiences: The interview for traumatic events in childhood (ITEC). Child Abuse & Neglect, 33(8), 505-517.
- 5Stewart, C., Kirisci, L., Long, A. L., & Giancola, P. R. (2015). Development and psychometric evaluation of the child neglect questionnaire. Journal of interpersonal violence, 30(19), 3343-3366.
- 6Robinson, S. (2024). Objective Measures of Childhood Emotional Neglect. Western Carolina University.
- 7Berzenski, S. R. (2019). Distinct emotion regulation skills explain psychopathology and problems in social relationships following childhood emotional abuse and neglect. Development and psychopathology, 31(2), 483-496.
- 8La Rosa, V. L., Tortorella, F., & Commodari, E. (2025). A Narrative Review of the Co-Occurrence and Interaction of Childhood Emotional Neglect and Overprotection in Developmental Pathways to Disordered Eating. Children, 12(12), 1643.
