NCJ Number
105457
Journal
Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1986) Pages: 5-21
Date Published
1986
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This analysis of seven cases involving false allegations of child physical and sexual abuse focuses on one factor associated with such allegations: contested domestic litigation.
Abstract
In all of the seven cases, the claims of child abuse were ultimately proven invalid by a two-pronged test: affirmative psychodynamic formulation that explained the accusations and subsequent independent legal adjudication. All of the cases emerged in the context of bitter marital litigation. Under the stress of domestic conflict, both adults and children may manifest regressive behavior. In adults this may issue in an increased focus on sexuality and a maladaptive blending of vindictive anger and loss with sex. Regression in children may produce increased resort to fantasy with sexual and reunion themes, increased credulousness, increased susceptibility to influence by caretakers, and a tendency to perceive relations in polarized concepts. Such regression under stress may cause either adults or children to charge child abuse out of illusion or vindictiveness. These findings indicate that persons investigating child abuse reports should conduct comprehensive analyses of case facts and dynamics that encompasses the motivations of both victims and family members in bringing the allegations. Given the potential for false allegations of child abuse, such cases should be processed in family court rather than criminal court. 1 table and 15 references.