Provides background to a forum on psychological mistreatment of children. This forum attempts to stimulate efforts to examine the prevention, treatment, research, and policy aspects of this phenomenon, which many psychologists contend is the core issue in child abuse and neglect. (Author/LHW)

Psychological maltreatment appears to be more prevalent and potentially more destructive than other forms of child abuse and neglect. However, it receives little attention from the public or professional sector. This article reviews the literature and concludes that psychological maltreatment is the core issue in child maltreatment. (Author/LHW)

Identifies several research directions for psychologists interested in studying the psychological maltreatment of children and youth. In order to organize research, two conceptual perspectives are suggested: ecological and developmental. Policy issues are also discussed. (Author/LHW)

Psychological maltreatment may be too imprecise a concept on which to base involuntary intervention in families. Before intervening on these grounds alone, the state should find an actual or reasonably foreseeable injury which, if untreated, will create protracted difficulties for the child. (Author/LHW)

Researchers and policymakers have begun to recognize the extent and severity of family violence, particularly its effects on children. But there is much disagreement about the definition of violence, its development, the consequences for victims, and the most effective avenues for intervention. Advances recommendations for further research.…