NCJ Number
212092
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1-21
Date Published
2005
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes research findings on the use of anatomical dolls and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using anatomical dolls in work with child sexual abuse victims.
Abstract
More than 100 research publications have focused on the use of anatomical dolls in child sexual abuse interviews. These research findings are reviewed, which indicate that most studies found that the dolls were useful tools while only a minority of research findings did not support their use. The advantages and disadvantages of using the dolls as tools during child sexual abuse interviews are examined. Advantages include the observations that young children are better able to communicate through demonstration than through language and that the dolls provide children with a road map of the body. While the advantages are compelling, practitioners should also be aware of the potential drawbacks to using anatomical dolls, such as the observation that young children lack the ability to use the doll representationally and that the dolls may encourage play or fantasy. Best practice uses of anatomical dolls are described including the two most common uses of dolls as demonstration aids and as anatomical models. While further ecologically-valid research is necessary, overall the selective use of anatomical dolls during child sexual abuse interviews is warranted. References