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Published on: May 3, 2016
Biased reporting by parents undergoing child custody evaluations.
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0390.
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Parents in child custody evaluations may intentionally skew symptom reports to favor their legal aims. This study quantified parental bias in child symptom reporting during custody disputes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Law
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Child custody evaluations are critical in legal proceedings.
- Parental reporting of child symptoms is a key data source.
- Potential for bias in parental reports requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that parents in child custody evaluations exhibit bias.
- To determine if this bias directs symptom reporting to support parental litigation goals.
- To quantify the presence and extent of parental bias.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 196 court-ordered child custody evaluations.
- Parents rated children's symptoms using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist.
- Comparison groups included visitation disputes and sexual abuse allegation cases.
Main Results:
- Findings strongly supported the hypothesis of parental bias.
- Parental bias in symptom reporting was present and measurable.
- Bias was directed in a manner consistent with parental aims.
Conclusions:
- Parental bias is a quantifiable factor in child custody evaluations.
- This bias can influence the reported symptoms of children.
- Awareness of this bias is crucial for accurate assessments.
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