NCJ Number
224290
Journal
Legal and Criminological Psychology Volume: 13 Issue: Part 2 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 299-307
Date Published
September 2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined negative life-events (NLEs) and their influence on interviewee performance using the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS).
Abstract
Results determined that there was a link between the experience of NLEs and GSS scores. NLEs were significantly correlated with all of the GSS suggestibility scores. Contrary to past research, however, self-esteem scores were not significantly related to any of the GSS components or to NLE scores. It was noted that past research had frequently demonstrated the impact of life adversity on the behavior and mindset of individuals. In terms of the formal police interview, the experience of negative life-events may have an effect upon interviewee performance. This study, therefore, sought to investigate how NLEs might influence interviewee performance on the GSS. Moreover, self-esteem was also investigated in relation to both the experience of negative life-events and interrogative suggestibility. The findings also suggest that interviewees reporting a high number of NLEs were significantly more susceptible to the leading questions, as well as to negative feedback, administered during the GSS interview. It is noted that erroneous reports and false confessions may thus be more likely with such interviewees, potentially classifying them as vulnerable witnesses. Data were obtained from 60 participants, 33 female and 27 male, who were administered the GSS. In between the immediate and delayed recall phases, interviewees were asked to complete the culture-free self-esteem inventory, the life-events questionnaire, and the Eysenck personality questionnaire. Table, references