Currently, the theory about the effects of early sexual abuse and the treatments needed surpasses the knowledge available from empirical research. At least two lines of integrated inquiry are needed. These include studies that seek to determine the extent to which responses to early sexual victimization differ from those associated with other early traumas and studies that seek to understand how well different interventions fit the needs and proclivities of different victims. Both naturalistic designs and randomized trials are adaptable for use on these topics. Naturalistic studies of symptom development, natural healing forces, and currently practiced interventions are needed before developing new treatments. Controlled trials may also be useful, although they should probably focus on situations in which existing treatments are adapted to this special population. 31 references