Psychological abuse refers to a series of repeated incidents that insult, humiliate, threaten, degrade, isolate or control another person. It can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Psychological abuse often follows a cycle of tension building, an incident of abuse, reconciliation, and calm before tension begins building again. It can occur within families, partnerships, or the workplace. Risk factors include emotional abuse of children, poverty, substance abuse, and male-dominated or religious societies that promote abuse. Solutions include the victim seeking help, establishing mental stability through therapy, and the abuser receiving counseling depending on legal rulings.