NCJ Number
115060
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 430-442
Date Published
1988
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The use of anatomical dolls by investigators of suspected child sexual abuse can be helpful, despite the current lack of extensive empirical data and the need for research on many issues regarding how children react to anatomical dolls in various situations.
Abstract
Two surveys have shown that users of dolls include social workers, therapists, investigators, and psychologists. Training for these users ranges from formal workshops to discussions with colleagues or with a supervisor. Most users have little training in the use of the dolls, however. The dolls in use vary widely in their characteristics. Variations also exist in when and how the dolls are used, the number of sessions, the number of dolls, the presence or absence of clothing on the dolls, and whether other adults are present during the interview. Professional interpretations of children's demonstrations of sexual activity with anatomical dolls have also been found to vary greatly, based on the child's age, the child's verbal description, and the professional's discipline. Nevertheless, studies comparing the use of the dolls by children referred for sexual abuse and comparison groups show that abused children are far more likely than nonreferred children to use the dolls to demonstrate sexual behavior. Interviewers should continue to use the dolls, but they should conceptualize their practices clearly and recognize that no 'doll test' exists. 23 references.