This study examined the social interactions and emotional adjustment of 21 preschool children of battered women and 25 same-age children from nonviolent homes. Mothers rated the frequency of their emotional and physical abuse during the past year, their mental health, parenting qualities, and their child's adjustment. Two observers evaluated the free play of each child in a small group setting on three separate occasions. Levels of emotional expression and emotion regulation were also assessed. Results indicated that children who witnessed parental violence had many more behavioral problems, exhibited significantly more negative affect, responded less appropriately to situations, were more aggressive with peers, and had more ambivalent relationships with their caregivers than children from comparison families. However, they were no less happy in play than their peers and were equally likely to engage in mutual play, cooperative play, sharing and taking turns, and joining in play with others. Regression analyses showed that emotional abuse of the mother and mother's self-esteem were the most significant predictors of the child's adjustment and social behavior. (Author/KDFB)