Changes in Interviewers' Use of Supportive Techniques during the Revised Protocol Training

Irit Hershkowitz, Elizabeth C. Ahern, Michael E. Lamb, Uri Blasbalg, Yael Karni-Visel, Michal Breitman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Summary: Although many children are reluctant to disclose abuse due to embarrassment, fear, and the anticipation of negative consequences, researchers have only recently begun to examine whether forensic interviewers can be trained to manage children's reluctance. In this study, the supportiveness of 53 experienced interviewers was assessed in their interviews with 321 3- to 14-year-old alleged victims, each conducted during the course of training to use the Revised Protocol (RP). The use of support increased, especially between levels evident at baseline and in the last two interviews assessed. Over time, instances of inadequate support and insensitivity to children's reluctance became less common. Younger children received proportionally more support, including inadequate support, than older children. The RP training did not affect the extensive use of free recall-based questions. Findings highlight the benefits of continued supervision and training.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)340-350
Number of pages11
JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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