Behavior analysis is a useful tool in relatively any context—from relationships in everyday life to business decisions to interviewing suspects, victims, and witnesses of crimes. Many methods and tools have been developed to assist individuals in these various contexts, but historically, very few studies recognized the differences between children and adults and instead based their research on adult facial expressions, emotions, and behavior.
In recent years, researchers have begun to address the gap in the data surrounding the general differences between children’s and adults’ emotional expression, as well as the impact that emotional development has on child forensic interviews. However, additional research on these differences focused specifically on forensic interviewing contexts is still needed. Unfortunately, there are many children who find themselves in the criminal justice system. Whether the child is being interviewed as a suspect, witness, or victim, it is vital that the interviewer is properly trained and equipped to navigate the unique aspects of a child forensic interview.
Preliminary research established the importance of behavior analysis and understanding emotional development throughout childhood in child forensic interviews. However, both the research and the present study revealed a gap in the training and application of these tools within forensic interview contexts.
By critically reviewing existing studies and analyzing the training and methods of current child forensic interviewers, this study has laid the groundwork for the creation of an interview model that will integrate the best tools for forensic interviewers and most appropriately accommodate the needs of child interviewees.
