PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE AND THE USE OF ANATOMICALLY DETAILED DOLLS IN CHILD SEXUAL-ABUSE ASSESSMENTS

Many devices are used in child assessment and treatment as communicati on aids, projective tools, and symbolic means of interaction. None are as hotly debated in their application among mental health professiona ls as dolls with genital details. Anatomically detailed (AD) dolls are often used in sexual-abuse evaluation and treatment with children, bu t such applications are controversial. This article is the product of a working group formed to review AD doll research and practice. This a rticle reviews historical use of dolls in clinical inquiry and researc h on sexual behaviors in children, normative use of AD dolls in nonref erred children, differences in children's play behavior and emotional reactions to AD dolls, and memory and suggestibility issues relating t o AD-doll use. Recommendations for future research are provided.