What emotional responses might a child exhibit after experiencing neglect?

A child who has experienced neglect may exhibit heightened anxiety and disruptive behaviors as a result of their emotional and psychological state. Neglect can lead to feelings of abandonment and insecurity, which often manifest as anxiety. This emotional turmoil may cause the child to act out in ways that are disruptive, whether in their home environment or in social situations, as they struggle to cope with their feelings and lack of stability.

The development of anxiety could result from the child’s chronic experiences of being uncared for or unprotected, leading to a constant state of worry or fear. Disruptive behaviors could manifest as acting out, aggression, or withdrawal, as the child has not learned appropriate mechanisms for expressing their distress due to the lack of a supportive nurturing environment.

In contrast, the other choices—such as increased confidence, consistent happiness, or strengthened social interactions—are less likely outcomes for a child who has faced neglect. Instead, these emotional responses typically reflect healthy development, which contrast sharply with the detrimental effects of neglect. Hence, heightened anxiety and disruptive behaviors are typical emotional responses in children who have experienced neglect.