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Implications of developmental research for interviewing children
M S Steward1, K Bussey, G S Goodman
1Department of Psychology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This review updates interviewers on child development, legal knowledge, and reporting factors. It suggests using pediatric preparation strategies to help child abuse victims in legal settings.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Understanding child development is crucial for investigative interviewing.
- Children's cognitive, memory, and language skills impact their legal system knowledge and reporting willingness.
- Pediatric patient preparation strategies offer insights for child abuse cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update investigative interviewers on child development relevant to legal contexts.
- To explore factors influencing children's willingness to report in legal settings.
- To identify strategies for preparing children for legal procedures, drawing from medical contexts.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent research on child development (cognition, memory, language).
- Analysis of studies on children's legal system knowledge and reporting factors.
- Examination of clinical and research literature on children's experiences in pediatric settings.
Main Results:
- Children's developmental stage significantly affects their understanding and reporting in legal situations.
- Motivational and developmental factors influence a child's willingness to report abuse.
- Preparation strategies used in pediatric settings can be adapted for child sexual abuse cases.
Conclusions:
- Investigative interviewers need updated knowledge of child development.
- Understanding children's legal knowledge and reporting factors is key.
- Adapting pediatric preparation techniques can improve outcomes for children in legal settings.
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