We know that some folks are not too nice and willingly play mind games with others, while others may be engaging in monkey see/monkey do and be unknowingly playing mind games with others. Yet, I read that it takes one who was physically abused to physically abuse another. What does it take to psychologically abuse another?

I found a web site that gives a list of the signs of emotional abuse. These can be brought on by a variety of reasons, depression, low self esteem, and also abused tend to become abusers, even psycologically. This site gives the warning signs, and a few helpful links.

http://www.drirene.com/verbal1.htm

Try thissite!!

Psychological battering occurs when an abuser uses verbal attacks and threats in an attempt to assault the victim. This occurs without the use of actual physical attacks as the victim's body is not touched. The abuser may exhibit any of the following behaviors such as intimidation, harassment, social isolation, destruction of property/ pets, threats of violence, punching walls, throwing things, derogatory comments, driving recklessly, threatening friends and family of the victim, and acting in an aggressive manner.
Psychological abusers can come from all different socioeconomic classes, races, age, religious backgrounds, education, and occupations.
Most abusers have witnessed abuse in their family and have learned this as a response to stress.
The domestic violence field makes a distinction between psychological battering and emotional abuse, although most people consider both categories as battering. The abuser sabotages the victims dreams and self-esteem in order to exert control and domination. This harrassment causes severe mental injury and it is a crime, and everyone has the right not to be abused.

Profile of a batterer
How Can I tell

I don't believe that there is any real profile that is obtained to screen out potential abusive people if that is what you are asking. There are signs and symptoms of abuse as people have already posted. A person may abuse for the same reasons such as poor self esteem or experience of abuse as in the articles. I did read about men preferring traditional roles, but there are many nonabusive men that do as well. In all likelihood, each individual has different personality traits, which makes it impossible to screen someone out until you do see signs of abusive behavior.