A nurse is caring for a client who experienced abuse. The client says, "It was my fault. I made my partner upset." The nurse should identify that the client is demonstrating which of the following manifestations?

Choice A reason: Dependency refers to reliance on the abuser for emotional or financial support. While dependency can occur in abusive relationships, the statement reflects self-blame rather than dependence. Choice B reason: Low self-esteem is evident when the client blames themselves for the abuse. Survivors often internalize responsibility for the abuser’s actions, believing they caused the violence. This reflects diminished self-worth and distorted self-perception, which are common psychological effects of abuse. Choice C reason: Denial occurs when the client refuses to acknowledge the abuse or minimizes its severity. In this case, the client is acknowledging the abuse but misattributing blame, which is not denial. Choice D reason: Anxiety may manifest as fear, restlessness, or hypervigilance, but the client’s statement specifically reflects self-blame and low self-esteem rather than anxiety symptoms.