Individual papers examine definitional issues, the history and current incidence of physical child abuse in the United States, and the causes and consequences of child sexual abuse. Additional papers focus on similarities and differences in the childrearing practices of abusive and nonabusive families, the factors that determine the nature of parenting, early signs that predict future child abuse, and intergenerational continuities and discontinuities in serious parenting difficulties. Further papers examine the attachment between children and their caregivers, peer relations and other social relations in maltreated children, and the effects of maltreatment on early child development. Tables, figures, chapter reference lists, and name and subject indexes.