Literature published between 1988 and 1998 was reviewed following a systematic search of Medline, PsychoInfo, and the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect. During the last decade there has been substantial progress in understanding the symptomatology associated with maltreatment; however, prevention and intervention research studies are relatively rare and frequently have important methodological limitations. The review's findings focus on definitions of maltreatment, the epidemiology of maltreatment, physical maltreatment, emotional maltreatment, interventions for maltreated children and adolescents, and the prevention of child maltreatment. The discussion of the psychiatric and psychological problems associated with physical abuse and neglect addresses interpersonal problems, cognitive/academic impairment, aggression, suicidal behavior and risk-taking, psychiatric disorders, and psychobiological correlates. The review of interventions for maltreated children and adolescents profiles psychotherapeutic approaches and pharmacotherapy. Suggestions for future research advise that child maltreatment research in the next decade should focus on understanding factors that lead to resilient outcomes and on assessment of the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatment strategies. Increased resources are needed to support child maltreatment research studies and investigators. 1 table and 87 references