The major types of psychopathology and behavioral deviancy observed in physically abused children during their participation in clinical research and treatment programs are described. Some of the more prominent areas of disturbance were: overall impairment of ego functioning associated with intellectual and cognitive defects; traumatic reactions with acute anxiety states; pathological object relationships characterized by the failure to develop "basic trust"; excessive use of primitive defenses such as denial, projection, introjection, and splitting; impaired impulse control; impaired self-concept; masochistic and self-destructive behavior; difficulties with separation and problems in school adjustment.