Cross-sectional and short - term longitudinal studies have demonstrated that physical
maltreatment is related to problems that arise in close temporal proximity to the occurrence of the abuse, such as juvenile delinquency, psychopathology, and
disrupted social relationships.7, 8 It is not clear from these studies, however, whether
early physical
maltreatment plays an enduring role in the development of later adjustment problems in adolescence or whether negative outcomes are the temporary result of trauma that will diminish in importance over time.