ABSTRACT
Echoing a “back to basics” cry, Ross (1983) and others (Azar et al., 1984) called on researchers and clinicians to go to the rich storehouse of empirical research in psychology and take advantage of what already has been learned. This article represents an attempt to highlight the fact that for those who design and implement treatment programs targeting child maltreatment, a wealth of information can be gleaned from the history of outcome research in psychotherapy. In addition, it is our intent to stimulate psychotherapy reseachers to consider what the study of treatment programs for child abuse could contribute to the scientific discipline of psychotherapy outcome research. Clearly, our aim has been to entice both clinicians and researchers to join forces in tackling some of the extremely difficult practical and methodological problems that one encounters when conducting quality outcome research with abusive populations. If psychologists are to assume a leadership role in responding to the urgent need for effective and humane psychological services to maltreated children and their families, this merger is essential.
