The study found that maltreatment by both parents occurred frequently in the same family. There seemed to be no substantial difference between maltreatment by fathers or mothers in its degree of impact upon the development of symptoms in later life. When the multiple regression analysis considered the four scales simultaneously, however, only psychological maltreatment by fathers and physical maltreatment by mothers were predictive of later symptoms in the women. Psychological maltreatment by fathers was related to the symptoms of anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, and dissociation. Physical maltreatment by mothers was related to the symptoms of interpersonal sensitivity, dissociation, and suicide attempts. The study shows the importance of examining incidents of physical and psychological maltreatment in childhood in identifying and analyzing adult psychological symptoms. Appendix. 42 references. 4 tables. (Author abstract modified)