Childhood abuse has been implicated in such difficulties as developmental lags, family dysfunction, social problems, and emotional distress. This paper presents a review of the empirical literature which examines the relationship between physical abuse and object relations impairment. Data in the literature were commonly derived from either Thematic Apperception Test or Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory analyses. Results of studies are grouped into four categories which are similar to categories suggested by the Object Relations and Social Cognition Scales. The categories are: complexity of object relations, affect tone, capacity for emotional investment, and accuracy of attributions. The studies most often used clinical and inpatient populations and found that physical abuse impacts these four areas significantly. The few studies that found disparities used slightly different factor analytical procedures or instruments. The limited scope of the research suggests the need for additional research with a broader range of measurement tools. (Contains 43 references.) (Author/EV)