Being ignored and neglected causes the same chemical reaction in the brain as being beaten. The silent treatment, when used to punish or manipulate, is a form of abuse.
I think there's a bit of context needed here. The silent treatment among known hostile people is one thing. The silent treatment from supposed friends and loved ones is quite another.
False unless it is a parent or caregiver doing it to a child.
Being ignored and neglected you can speak up about and you are not picking up your teeth or eating through a straw as a consequence.
This appears to be two statements to me. The first sentence, I’m unsure about.. The second scenario I do agree with, as it’s been used on me in the past.
As discipline for a child, in small doses (like 5-10 minutes) it's fine. No different than a 'timeout' really. When used by spouses/significant other for a SHORT time, it's probably not bad as a way to show just how pissed off you are.
But extended duration is not good, as at some point it becomes cruel.
But I agree with @1_teddybear. More context is required. Solitary confinement is inhumane and certain types of neglect involving sensory deprivation and ignoring the person altogether are banned by the Geneva Convention during wartime.
The silent treatment by a parent as a form of withdrawing love and approval has devastated the self-esteem of people I know.
~ Sunset Snuggles
This statement seems to be the opposite of the old sticks and stones statement. Both are extreme and both are incorrect.
Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me. (False, words can and do hurt people)
I think the original statement is also false. Being physically beaten by someone is about as bad as it gets. I'd rather be insulted by someone than beaten by them, and I'd rather be ignored by someone than insulted by them.
These are just my thoughts on it. Everyone here is going to post a different opinion. The interesting thing is, this is actually a question that can be answered by psychology. I imagine a good literature review could answer the question fairly definitively. I am pretty sure there's going to be some major differences in brain activity and neurotransmitters between someone being beaten and someone being given the silent treatment.
over time yes and during formative years, and i would say a similar reaction but not the same. saying it’s the same might be considered a reach to someone who’s experienced physical abuse
Having been neglected/abused by my Ex I can attest to the truth of this. Its a horrible way to live and causes extended trauma.
Humans are a terrible dichotomy of individuals that require groups.
We need feedback, reassurance, and acceptance.
And we hate that we need it.
The silent treatment, if experienced in the setting with a loved one, can be as wounding as a sharp knife.
I do believe there is research about the neurobiology that shows it is the same chemically. A wound is a wound.
For me .... it cut me to the bone.
Neglect in toddler years can have lasting effects up into adulthood
https://exploringyourmind.com/silent-treatment-psychological-abuse-disguise/
"The silent treatment has physical effects as well - Studies have been done that show that feeling excluded or ignored can cause changes in the brain. A zone of the human brain called the “anterior cingulate cortex” is responsible for detecting different levels of pain.
Scientists have proven that this zone is activated when something receives the silent treatment. Activation in this zone means that physical symptoms also start to appear. Some very common symptoms are headaches and digestive problems. Fatigue and insomnia are also frequent complaints. If the situation is severe and prolonged, serious problems can arise, such as an increase in blood pressure, diabetes, or even illnesses like cancer.
The autoimmune system is also affected, primarily because of the high levels of stress that the situation causes. The consequences are even more serious if the person giving the silent treatment is an authority figure such as a teacher, parent, or boss."
I think it’s not as bad as physical abuse, generally, but from certain perks like parents or other trusted ones it can be very damaging
This is just fundamentally false. Being physically abused and being ignored are not even remotely related in brain chemistry.
Context matters a little. Is it silent treatment in a marriage? Or is it approaching someone at a bar who ignores you? Neither of these are remotely like physical abuse, but the former is its own kind of meaningful problem, depending on the context.
The opposite of love is not hate it is indifference. Ignoring someone is a tool of indifference.
Come to think of it I am indifferent to popcorn. It sparks no passion or feeling at all to my senses.
Sometimes I would rather be ignored than verbally abused.
100% agree with @SunsetSnuggles Under some circumstances such as a parent-child relationship it is abusive. Children should know they are unconditionally loved. Parental love should not be a reward they have to “earn” through achievement.
I also agree with @SunsetSnuggles
I think it’s emotional abuse when the silent treatment is used as punishment for a child or spouse or friend or relative. What is best, in my opinion, is to learn clear, assertive communication in all circumstances. If you need some time to think, you can communicate that as well. All my opinion of course.