A comparative study of externalizing behaviors for children exposed and not exposed to maltreatment. Three research conditions were established: 1) substantiated  child maltreatment, 2) unsubstantiated maltreatment, and 3) no allegation. Participants were rated on the severity of externalizing behaviors. Results indicate that substantiated and unsubstantiated cases have significantly higher rates of externalizing behaviors compared to the control group. In addition, there is no significant difference in levels of externalizing behaviors between substantiated and unsubstantiated groups.