Implications of developmental research for interviewing children

Clinical and research literature of young children's experience in pediatric settings offers ecologically compelling data for understanding children's reports of abusive touch, and strategies used for preparing children for medical procedures may be drawn on for preparation of children in sexual abuse cases.

Abstract

This article first provides a brief review of recent research to update the investigative interviewer on children's development of cognition, memory and language. Next, we review results of studies which have focused on the development of children's specific knowledge about the legal system, and identify developmental and motivational factors which may influence children's willingness to report in legal settings. Next, clinical and research literature of young children's experience in pediatric settings offers ecologically compelling data for understanding children's reports of abusive touch, and strategies used for preparing children for medical procedures may be drawn on for preparation of children in sexual abuse cases. Finally, several issues are identified for future research.