Changes in Interviewers' Use of Supportive Techniques during the Revised Protocol Training

Although many children are reluctant to disclose abuse due to embarrassment, fear, and the anticipation of negative consequences, researchers have only recently begun to examine whether forensic interviewers can be trained to manage children's reluctance. In this study, the supportiveness of 53...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inApplied cognitive psychology Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 340 - 350
Main Authors Hershkowitz, Irit, Ahern, Elizabeth C., Lamb, Michael E., Blasbalg, Uri, Karni‐Visel, Yael, Breitman, Michal
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Bognor Regis Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2017
Subjects
Abuse
Child abuse & neglect
Children
Children & youth
Cognitive psychology
Embarrassment
Fear
Fear & phobias
Forensic science
Free recall
Interviews
Older children
Victims
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Summary:Although many children are reluctant to disclose abuse due to embarrassment, fear, and the anticipation of negative consequences, researchers have only recently begun to examine whether forensic interviewers can be trained to manage children's reluctance. In this study, the supportiveness of 53 experienced interviewers was assessed in their interviews with 321 3‐ to 14‐year‐old alleged victims, each conducted during the course of training to use the Revised Protocol (RP). The use of support increased, especially between levels evident at baseline and in the last two interviews assessed. Over time, instances of inadequate support and insensitivity to children's reluctance became less common. Younger children received proportionally more support, including inadequate support, than older children. The RP training did not affect the extensive use of free recall‐based questions. Findings highlight the benefits of continued supervision and training.Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:0888-4080
1099-0720
DOI:10.1002/acp.3333