Overall, the results indicated a statistical correlation between children’s behavior problems and maternal mental health. Mothers of abused children were more likely to display a wide range of mental health problems compared to mothers in the comparison group. In particular, mothers of abused children were more likely to display somatic symptoms and social dysfunction while abused children were more likely to display disruptive behavior disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Other child problems included authority conflict and overt delinquency. The findings suggest the need to conduct multidimensional assessments for abused children and their caregivers. Participants were 21 abused children between the ages of 6 and 12 years and their mothers and a comparison sample of 14 nonabused children and their mothers recruited from Japanese public schools. The children and mothers completed a series of questionnaires assessing child behavior and general maternal mental health. Statistical comparisons of the groups involved the use of t-tests and Pearson correlations. Future research should focus on the causal mechanisms and background factors influencing child abuse in order to inform services for families. Tables, references