The intentional use of psychological force to hurt or destroy another person. Emotional abuse can occur between spouses and other sexual partners, between adult children and older parents, or, most commonly, between parents and children. Emotional abuse takes a number of forms, including withholding affection; using threats or terror to control the other; coercive or erratic discipline; scapegoating and rejection; failure to meet such basic physical needs as food, water, and sleep; and failure to provide love, affection, warmth, and security. Emotional abuse can occur alone or along with physical or sexual abuse.