Accuracy of self-reports of stressful emotional events in real world settings

• In this review the empirical and theoretical literature on children’s autobiographical statements about child sexual abuse and other forms of maltreatment is discussed. It is concluded that experiences of child sexual abuse seems to be associated with a number of negative psychosocial outcomes. It is further concluded that even though children may remember experiences from the first and second years of life there is no reliable way by which details of childhood experiences can be reconstructed on the basis of preverbal memories. The literature on the suggestibility of preschool children suggests that children are capable of providing reliable testimonies about highly salient personal experiences such as sexual abuse, though a substantial proportion of children may choose not to when asked by professionals. However, suggestive interviewing practises, particularly when used with younger children will increase the risk of false allegations.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

children’s memory

abuse

investigate interviewing

Psychology

Psykologi

Psychology

psykologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)