Developmental Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect: Implications for Intervention

Child maltreatment is a heterogeneous phenomenon that frequently results in negative developmental trajectories across many domains of child functioning. In this article, we selectively review the literature on child maltreatment from the perspective of developmental psychopathology, emphasizing the central role of attachment in setting the path for developmental risks and providing opportunities for prevention and early intervention. Intervention research has highlighted the role of relational interventions in potentially promoting resilient functioning by supporting the development of more positive parent-child interactions. We describe an intervention called child-parent psychotherapy to illustrate the positive impact of a treatment for trauma that is informed by attachment theory and based on evidence, and we suggest how it can ameliorate outcomes for maltreated children.