Therefore, greater attention should be focused on how some parents gradually acquire preconditions that lead to the rather sudden onset of abusive behavior versus the more gradual onset of neglect. The transitional model of child maltreatment is based on two presuppositions: (1) the development of inappropriate childrearing patterns follows a somewhat predictable course in the absence of intervention or major compensatory factors; and (2) important psychosocial processes are linked to the expression of anger, arousal, and coping reactions in adults. From a developmental perspective, neglected children's experiences with caregivers may have their greatest significance in terms of the formation of positive relationships with others and contentment in the social environment. Developmental research also indicates that parents who are cooperative and attentive to their child's needs tend to have children who are similarly cooperative and easier to manage. Prevention and early intervention programs for adults and teenagers who have not been specifically identified as abusive or neglectful are based primarily on the premise that promoting a positive and responsive parent-child relationship is both a desirable intervention target and a viable child maltreatment prevention strategy. Illustrative prevention programs are noted, along with research needs and future directions in child neglect. 44 references