Participants' child abuse risk potential was determined by their responses or performance on several instruments that were previously found to distinguish between abusive and adequate mothers. Results revealed that mothers with an insecure adult attachment style (ambivalent or avoidant) were at significantly higher risk for child abuse than were mothers with a secure attachment style. Findings indicated that single mothers' self-report of adult attachment style in romantic relationships is an important factor in the risk of abuse. Findings also suggested that understanding and modifying a mother's ability in responding to the attachment relationship, not only with her children but also with other adults, could provide a substantial buffer against the emotional and behavioral sequences that result in abusive parenting. Tables and 42 references (Author abstract modified)