In addition, psychological maltreatment seems so inextricably embedded in and associated with other forms of abuse that understanding it is essential to understanding the dynamics of all child abuse. The five major forms of psychological abuse are spurning, which combines rejection and hostile degradation; terrorizing through threats and other actions; isolating; exploiting and corrupting; and denying emotional responsiveness. Practitioners should organize their investigations to determine the extent and seriousness of these forms of maltreatment. Studies of young children have revealed that physical abuse or neglect and psychological maltreatment tend to occur simultaneously and that the severity of psychological maltreatment is more strongly and clearly related to developmental outcomes than is the severity of physical abuse. Promising corrective and preventive interventions focus on developing a trusting relationship with the primary caretaker, helping the primary caretaker and family deal with stressors and practical problems, emphasize personal and family strengths more than weaknesses, and making long-term treatment available. A home visitor model has been recommended for research and widespread preventive application to families having their first child. 9 references