Case study: allegations of abuse created in a single interview.
OBJECTIVE
To illustrate how young children can be induced to make false allegations of sexual abuse.


METHODS
The author presents a case that is unusual because elaborate, detailed allegations of sexual abuse came about during a single interview, the interviewer was a baby-sitter rather than a mental health professional, and the interview was recorded on tape.


RESULTS
Children can be induced to make elaborate, detailed false statements after being subjected to repetitive, suggestive, and leading questions during a single interview.


CONCLUSIONS
Child abuse investigators should determine the origin and evolution of allegations of abuse. Children should not be removed from their parents if is likely that the allegations against the parents are false.
Bernet
W
W
Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA.
D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005201:Fantasy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D010552:Personality Assessment; D013404:Suggestion; D014342:Truth Disclosure