Effects of Interviewer Support on Children's Memory and Suggestibility: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Experimental Research

Trauma, Violence & Abuse
Karen J SaywitzSue D Hobbs

Abstract

The accuracy of children's reports of abuse has been hotly debated in the press, academia, and the courtroom. Yet, children's accuracy depends, in part, on the context in which children are interviewed. Guidelines often recommend creating a supportive psychosocial context to promote open, honest responding; however, there is also concern that support promotes social desirability and acquiescence to suggestion, leading children to report more of what they perceive adults want to hear than the truth. The question remains as to whether there is a sufficient body of scientific research to determine whether interviewer supportiveness improves interview outcomes while minimizing children's stress or whether it increases suggestibility and impairs accuracy. Using a systematic search strategy and meta-analyses, this study identifies and reviews findings from experimental studies of the effects of interviewer supportiveness on the accuracy of children's reports. Although the number of studies in the evidence base is small ( n = 15), the studies are of relatively good quality. Results suggest noncontingent interviewer support bolsters children's accuracy. Children are more resistant and less acquiescent to suggestive questions when inter...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Nov 5, 2019·Child Development·Kaila C BruerKang Lee
Apr 15, 2020·Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law : an Interdisciplinary Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law·Heather S Canning, Carole Peterson
Feb 26, 2020·International Journal on Child Maltreatment : Research, Policy and Practice·Jodi A Quas, Kelli L Dickerson
Dec 30, 2021·Child Maltreatment·Yael Karni-ViselUri Blasbalg

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
environmental stress

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