There is a well-developed literature examining the immediate consequences of experiencing maltreatment during childhood. However, because of the problems of conducting longitudinal studies which follow subjects over many years, less is known about the long-term consequences of maltreatment.

Using the Rochester Youth Development study, a longitudinal study that followed a sample of seventh and eighth grade students into adulthood, the impact of the timing of maltreatment was examined. Youth were grouped into four categories: a) those who were never maltreated; b) those who were maltreated in childhood only; c) those who were maltreated in adolescence only; and d) those who were maltreated during both childhood and adolescence. Subjects were compared on a number of outcome variables which have been previously linked to maltreatment.