The use and impact of repeated questions in diagnostic child abuse assessment interviews. Issue 3 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Macleod, Emily; Hobbs, Linda; Admiraal, Anita; La Rooy, David; Patterson, Tess
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry, psychology, and law. Volume 29:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 364
• Page End: 380
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: Child -- child abuse assessments -- forensic -- implicit assumption questions -- interview -- repeated questions -- sexual abuse; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Forensic psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mentally ill offenders -- Periodicals; 345.9404
• DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2021.1910586
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1321-8719

Abstract

Abstract : There is limited research regarding the use of repeated questions and the subsequent response from children in real-world forensic contexts. We analysed 71 transcripts of diagnostic assessments in which 3- to 6-year-olds were assessed for suspected abuse experiences. On average, 6% of interviewer questions were repeated, and 47% of the repeated questions were abuse-related. The majority (65%) of the repeated questions were directive, but 33% of the repeated questions contained implicit assumptions. Implicit assumption questions were more likely to be abuse-related. Interviewers repeated questions when the child failed to answer due to playing (31%), for no apparent reason (26%) or for clarification purposes (29%). Children most commonly responded to repeat questions by providing new information (64%), not responding at all (19%) or repeating information (12%). We recommend that interviewers avoid the use of suggestive and repeated questions that contain implicit assumptions in relation to assessment of suspected child abuse.