Emotional Abuse and Family Breakdown: Religious Values, Power Dynamics, and Mental Health Outcomes

Emotional abuse within families represents a pervasive yet often overlooked factor contributing to relational dysfunction, psychological distress, and long-term mental health challenges. This study examines the intersections of religious values, intra-family power dynamics, and the mental health outcomes of individuals exposed to emotional abuse in household settings. Despite growing research on domestic violence, the psychosocial and spiritual dimensions of emotional abuse remain underexplored, particularly in relation to how religious norms shape perceptions, responses, and coping strategies. The study aims to investigate how religious teachings and family hierarchies influence the experience and consequences of emotional maltreatment, and how these factors impact mental well-being. Drawing on Family Systems Theory and sociological perspectives on religion and authority, the study highlights the complex interplay between normative expectations, parental or caregiver power, and the psychological health of family members. Findings indicate that rigid power structures, compounded by misinterpretation or misuse of religious values, exacerbate emotional abuse, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, depression, and impaired relational functioning. The study concludes that fostering awareness, ethical religious engagement, and equitable family dynamics is critical to mitigating emotional abuse and promoting mental health. Recommendations emphasize the integration of faith-informed counseling, social work interventions, and parental education programs to strengthen family resilience.