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Study on the Depression Levels of Children who are Brought to the Forensic DNA Laboratory for Paternity Testing

NCJ Number
239631
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2012 Pages: 146-151
Author(s)
Gulumser Gultekin Akduman, Ph.D.
Date Published
January 2012
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This research identified depression levels of children who were brought to a forensic DNA laboratory for paternity testing.
Abstract
This study aims to identify the depression levels of children who were brought to the forensic DNA laboratory for paternity testing. A total of 35 such children were enrolled in the study. Data were gathered using the parent interview form, general information form for children, and the "Child Depression Scale" as it had been tested for validity and reliability in the 6-17 year age group in the country. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe test. The results showed that the age of children who were brought in for paternity testing created a meaningful difference in their depression scores (p less than 0.01) while gender did not. In addition, c. 63 percent of the children in this study did not know why they were in the laboratory, which also caused a meaningful difference in depression scores (p less than 0.01). Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.