There is an association between child abuse and delinquency, but research problems with study design, definitions, and methodology prevent a concrete understanding of the sequences and casual relations involved. Based on Patterson's analysis, the authors suggest that child abuse and delinquency are causally linked in both directions. Patterson's model of coercive family processes and his analysis of reciprocal interactive processes of children, parents, and external stress can be used in research studies to integrate knowledge of aggression, child abuse, and delinquency. Patterson points out that the adult is the major determinant of how much aggression will occur in a given setting, and the authors also believe that parents are responsible for socializing children. Adults must be trained in child management skills so that interactive patterns will change. Additional study is recommended to identify factors that mediate between the presence of high-risk factors and the occurrence of child abuse and juvenile delinquency. 57 references