Which of the following changes in behavior may indicate abuse?

Which of the following changes in behavior may indicate abuse?

• A. Improved mood
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Aggressive or withdrawn behavior
• D. Faster recovery from illness

Answer: (C)

Changes in behavior reflect how a person copes with stress, fear, or harm, and in the context of potential abuse, those behavioral shifts are especially telling. When someone who is cared for begins acting aggressively or withdraws, it signals they may feel unsafe or harmed and are reacting to those experiences. That direct link between abusive circumstances and a visible change in behavior is why this option best indicates abuse. By contrast, an improved mood can come from many harmless things like relief after a good day or better treatment, increased appetite can result from medical factors or normal variation, and faster recovery from illness is a positive health outcome, not a sign of abuse. If aggressive or withdrawn behavior is observed, it should trigger a safety assessment and appropriate reporting according to policy.

Changes in behavior reflect how a person copes with stress, fear, or harm, and in the context of potential abuse, those behavioral shifts are especially telling. When someone who is cared for begins acting aggressively or withdraws, it signals they may feel unsafe or harmed and are reacting to those experiences. That direct link between abusive circumstances and a visible change in behavior is why this option best indicates abuse. By contrast, an improved mood can come from many harmless things like relief after a good day or better treatment, increased appetite can result from medical factors or normal variation, and faster recovery from illness is a positive health outcome, not a sign of abuse. If aggressive or withdrawn behavior is observed, it should trigger a safety assessment and appropriate reporting according to policy.