The authors argue that the psychological maltreatment of children can be defined as parenting and socialization practices that leave a child's basic psychological needs unmet, and that children exposed to interparental violence should be viewed as victims of psychological maltreatment. A needs analysis based on developmental theory and research is presented as a context within which to view psychological maltreatment. It is based on Connell's (1988) work on the psychological outcomes of children exposed to marital violence. This developmental needs analysis facilitates an understanding of children exposed to marital violence and other victims of psychological maltreatment in at least two ways; first, the three need domains identified by Connell are those that are highlighted in every major definition of psychological maltreatment as being frustrated, misdirected, or unfulfilled. Second, the framework emphasizes the interaction between need fulfillment, characteristics of the caretaking environment, and the child's development of self-system processes. Using this conceptualization, the authors examine research findings concerning the behavioral, cognitive, and social-emotional difficulties of children exposed to marital violence. Based on this developmental analysis, recommendations are offered regarding research that is needed in this area. 56 references