Impact of Repeated Questioning on Interviewers: Learning From a Forensic Interview Training Project

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Child Welfare Studies
• Social Work Research

Background:

• Forensic interviewers face significant risks of burnout and secondary trauma.
• Limited research exists on the experiences of new interviewers with repeated questioning and multiple interviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of trainee forensic interviewers on the challenges of repeated questioning and multiple interviews.
• To analyze the emotional and professional impact on new interviewers in child sexual abuse (CSA) cases.

Main Methods:

• A simulated interview process using two video recordings featuring social work graduate students as interviewers and child actors.
• Qualitative data collection from two cohorts of student actors to understand their experiences.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: "It is emotionally taxing" and "Navigating the interviewer role is unexpectedly complex."
• Repeated questioning and multiple interviews negatively affected interviewer performance and confidence.

Conclusions:

• Training for forensic interviewers must address the emotional toll and complexity of the role.
• Simulated training can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by new forensic interviewers in CSA investigations.