Which of the following is a behavioral sign of abuse in children?

Extreme passivity is a behavioral sign of abuse in children. When a child exhibits extreme passivity, it may indicate a response to prolonged stress, fear, or a lack of nurturing and support in their environment, often associated with abuse. This behavior can manifest as withdrawal, a lack of initiative or engagement in activities, and an overall feeling of helplessness, which are reactions to trauma and difficult experiences.

In contrast, behaviors like high academic achievement, excessive sociability, and increased attention span are generally not considered signs of abuse. High academic achievement can often reflect a supportive educational environment. Excessive sociability might be a sign of a well-adjusted child who seeks to connect with peers, while an increased attention span can indicate focus and engagement, which are typically positive traits. These behaviors do not align with the emotional and psychological responses that arise from experiencing abuse, making extreme passivity a more telling indicator in this context.