What is a common consequence of child neglect?

Child neglect often leads to the development of emotional and behavioral issues in affected children. Neglect can stem from a lack of emotional support, inappropriate supervision, or failure to meet basic needs, which can result in a range of difficulties. Children who experience neglect may struggle with feelings of abandonment and low self-esteem, and they might exhibit anxiety or depression.

Furthermore, neglect can disrupt normal developmental processes. For example, a child who doesn't receive consistent emotional nurturing may find it challenging to form healthy relationships later in life. Behavioral issues may manifest as aggression, withdrawal, or difficulties in social interactions, impacting not just the child’s mental health but their academic performance and relational skills as well.

The other options suggest positive outcomes such as enhanced academic performance, increased socialization skills, and improvement in cognitive abilities, which do not align with the established consequences of neglect. Instead, the reality is that neglect significantly hampers a child's development and well-being, leading to a spectrum of negative emotional and behavioral outcomes.