The setting for the study was a sexual trauma inpatient unit in an urban medical center. Questionnaires were completed by the sexually abused girls and their mothers at three time points: within 48 hours of the beginning of treatment, at the termination of treatment, and at follow-up 3 months later. Instruments assessed levels of self-concept, symptoms of depression, and perceptions of maternal support. Results showed adolescent girls who perceived their mothers as supportive had higher self-concept scores and fewer symptoms of depression after treatment and at follow-up when compared to adolescents who perceived their mothers as non-supportive. A definition of support was developed, based on both daughter and mother perceptions. 22 references, 1 table, and 1 figure