Which of the following could indicate potential signs of abuse or neglect?

The choice indicating that a child talks about being evil or feels belittled is a significant potential sign of abuse or neglect. This behavior often reflects the child’s internalized feelings of low self-worth or experiences of trauma. When a child expresses thoughts of being "evil," it may suggest they are processing negative experiences or emotions that could stem from an abusive environment. Feeling belittled may indicate that they are subjected to negative reinforcement, ridicule, or a lack of emotional support, which are common in situations of neglect or emotional abuse.

In contrast, the other choices do not typically indicate signs of abuse or neglect. A child who is always happy and engaged often shows healthy social development and positive family interactions. Similarly, a child consistently excelling in school is often a sign of a supportive environment, likely indicating adequate parental involvement and encouragement. A child avoiding all contact with adults can be concerning, but it doesn’t inherently indicate abuse or neglect; it could also reflect shy behavior, introversion, or social anxiety without any maltreatment context.