Which of the following is a behavioral indicator of abuse?

Study for the Family and Self-Directed Services Support Broker Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get prepared for success!

Behavioral indicators are observable actions or patterns in how someone acts that suggest they may be experiencing harm. Fear fits this category because it shows up as changes in behavior: withdrawal, avoidance of certain people, flinching, reluctance to talk about what happens, or seeming consistently afraid in the presence of a caregiver. These reactions reflect emotional distress from abuse and are distinct from physical signs. The other options describe physical or hygiene-related conditions (dark circles around the eyes from fatigue, soiled clothing from neglect of cleanliness or incontinence, dehydration from inadequate fluid intake), which are not behaviors. So fear is the behavioral indicator that best fits the question.