Recent studies support the hypothesis that a high percentage of delinquents have been abused as children because conditions related to delinquency closely resemble those conditions identified in child abuse situations. Patterns of incidence suggest that both phenomena are cross-cultural and cross-racial, and tend to appear in all socioeconomic classes. Furthermore, the literature suggests that while not all parents of delinquents and abused children experienced similar problems when young, both phenomena appear to be intergenerational. Studies also suggest that too little parental discipline can be characteristic of neglect situations or result in acts of delinquency; similarly, too much discipline often leads to abusive and aggressive behavior on the part of those disciplined. The homes of both delinquent and abused children have been viewed as unstable, and both groups of children often end in foster placement. In addition, research has pointed out that both groups possess nonvital roles in their families, and that the same emotional deprivation and lack of self-worth can be seen among delinquents and abused youths. A 25-item reference list is included.