The study used a stress-social support-psychological functioning model to compare the two groups, to examine the impact of abuse status on changes over time in the three domains, and to assess the relative contributions of social support and abuse status to self-worth and depression. At the first interview, mothers of abused children reported less perceived support from family and partners and greater depressive symptomatology, differences that held even when maternal education and employment status were controlled. At the second interview 1 year later, abuse and nonabuse groups continued to differ on family and partner support, but did not differ on competence. Lower support from family and partners was the strongest predictor of more negative self-worth and greater depressive symptomatology. Inadequate social support and low self-esteem have been implicated as risk factors in the etiology of child abuse; further research is needed to determine whether these factors are antecedents or consequences of child maltreatment. The article concludes that promoting social skills and providing social support for both parents and children should be integral components of intervention and treatment plans in cases of child abuse. Note, tables, references