Common consequences of parents discouraging expressions of feeling in young children include which of the following?

• A. Acting-out behavior, somatization, and a sense of powerlessness.
• B. Increased compliance and empathy.
• C. Enhanced verbal communication.
• D. Improved self-control and self-regulation.

Answer: (A)

When parents dismiss or discourage a young child’s expressions of feeling, the child’s ability to process and regulate emotions is undermined. Emotions become unsafe or invalid, so the child may act out as a primary way to communicate distress. Somatization can occur, with physical symptoms emerging as a way to express what isn’t being acknowledged emotionally. The child also learns that their emotions don’t matter or can’t influence others, leading to a sense of powerlessness and reduced sense of agency. These outcomes reflect the impact of emotional dismissal on development.

The other options describe outcomes more typical of environments that validate emotions and teach constructive regulation—such as improved verbal skills, empathy, or self-control—rather than the negative patterns associated with discouraging emotional expression.