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Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress - Explained

Civil Action for Harming Someone's Mental or Psychological Well Being

Written by Jason Gordon

Updated at April 4th, 2023

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What is the Intentional Infliction of Mental Distress?

The intentional infliction of mental distress upon another is a form of battery to the emotions.


Next Article: Invasion of Privacy Return to: TORT LAW

What are the requirements for a legal action based on Intentional Infliction of Mental Distress?

 Like a battery, Infliction of Emotional Distress is caused by intentional conduct that carries a strong probability of causing mental distress to the person at whom it is directed. Generally, the conduct must be very extreme or outrageous in nature to result in emotional distress. To recover for this tort, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the intentional conduct actually caused her mental distress that manifests itself physically.

  • Example: Intentionally exposing a person to extreme ridicule in front of a large crown may constitute such a tort.

Discussion Question

What type of conduct would you consider sufficiently extreme or outrageous to qualify as a battery on the emotions? Do you agree with the requirement that mental distress must also manifest itself through physical symptoms?

Practice Question

 Helen is shopping in the mall with her daughter, Penny. They are on the second floor of the mall looking over the railing at the large, central fountain when a stranger approaches Penny. The stranger picks up Penny and begins screaming at her. He then holds her over the railing and threatens to drop her into the fountain a floor below. Helen screams hysterically for help and begs the stranger to put her down safely on the ground. Some bystanders grab Penny and tackle the stranger to the ground. Helen is so emotionally distraught by the incident that she develops nightmares, insomnia, and begins seeing a therapist. Can Helen sue the stranger and, if so, for what? Explain.

  • The intentional infliction of mental distress occurs when one intentionally or recklessly causes severe emotional damage to another through extreme and outrageous conduct. This includes:
    • Intent. A claimant must show that the defendant intended the infliction of distress, knew with substantial certainty that emotional distress would result, or acted with reckless disregard of a high probability that emotional distress would occur.
    • Severe emotional damage. A plaintiff's emotional damage must be severe, annoyance or hurt feelings are insufficient. If a reasonable person would not have suffered shock or severe damage from the defendant's conduct, the defendant is not liable. If a defendant acted with knowledge of a plaintiff's extra sensitivity, the defendant will be liable without regard to the reasonableness of the plaintiff's damages.
    • Extreme and outrageous conduct. Extreme and outrageous conduct s intentional conduct that exceeds all reasonable bounds of decency in a civilized society.

Related Topics

  • Tort Law (Intro)
  • What are Torts?
  • What are the types of torts?
  • What are Intentional Torts?
  • Unintentional Tort
  • Assault and Battery?
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotions Distress?
  • Invasion of Privacy?
  • False Imprisonment?
  • Malicious Prosecution?
  • Trespass?
  • Conversion?
  • Defamation?
  • Defenses to Defamation?
  • Absolute Privilege
  • Defamation and 1st Amendment Considerations?
  • Fraud?
  • Intentional Interference with Contractual Relations?
  • What is Negligence?
  • Negligence A Duty of Care?
  • Negligence Breach of Duty of Care?
  • Causation?
  • Cause-in-Fact
  • What are common defenses to negligence actions?
  • What is Strict Liability?
  • Strict Liability Causes of Action Examples
  • Strict Products Liability
  • What defenses exist to strict product liability actions?
  • Compensatory damages?
  • Punitive damages?
  • Treble Damages
intentional infliction emotional distress mental distress

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