Although all states require reporting of suspected child abuse, there is considerable evidence that many psychologists do not adhere to mandatory reporting laws. Licensed psychologists from Minnesota and Oklahoma (N = 328) responded to experimental vignettes depicting suspected child abuse and a questionnaire addressing experiences related to abuse. Results showed that the age of the child and the child's behavior during a clinical interview interacted with the type of abuse in influencing decisions to report. Also, a 3-way interaction occurred between the child's age, type of abuse, and the perpetrator's relationship to the child. In addition, clinicians who indicated failure to report a case in clinical practice were less likely to report the case presented. Results demonstrate the influence of situational factors and clinician experiences in decisions to report abuse.Psychologists in clinical settings are likely to see cases of suspected child abuse (Browne & Finkelhor, 1986). Despite mandatory child abuse reporting laws, several studies have shown that large numbers of practicing psychologists fail to report suspected abuse (Haas,

Several studies have indicated that high proportions of practicing psychologists fail to report cases of suspected child sexual abuse despite their knowledge of mandatory reporting laws. We surveyed 279 practicing psychologists from two states, using a set of controlled vignettes. Results indicate that clinicians' decisions to report suspected sexual child abuse are affected by the accused father's admission or denial of abuse and by the clinician's expectation of what effect reporting would have on continued therapy. Results are discussed in the context of previous research and state mandatory reporting laws.

No abstract

Coercive sexual behavior exists at alarming rates on college campuses. Researchers attempting to identify factors related to sexual coercion have primarily investigated either the coercing college male or the coerced college female, independent of relationship factors. The present study investigated the prevalence of verbal sexual coercion, the beliefs and attitudes of sexually coercive and noncoercive men, and the differences in affective states between groups and at different stages of relationship development. Undergraduate students were grouped on the basis of their self-reported sexual experience history as being sexually inexperienced, having had consensual sexual relationships only, or having had coercive sexual relationships. Also, subjects who reported having been sexually experienced were asked to rate the nature of their relationship to their sexual partner. Subjects completed measures referring to sexual attitudes, sexual arousal patterns, and the emotional components of a sexual encounter. Analyses indicated that 42% of the males in the sample had engaged in verbal sexual coercion. Differences on the measures were found between the sexual experience groups and the relationship type subgroups. Results are discussed in the context of the situational model, in which the coercive male plays an active role in shaping his environment.

The prevalence and effects of child abuse have been reported in numerous studies. Although mandatory reporting laws require professionals to report suspected cases of child abuse, studies have indicated that large percentages of mental health professionals report selectively. The present study investigates professionals' tendency to report and attribution of responsibility for child abuse. One-hundred and one mental health clinicians working within three community mental health centers (CMHCs) completed experimentally controlled vignettes manipulating victim age, type of abuse, and victim reactions during an interview. Results indicated 81% of the clinicians tended to report the presented case of child abuse. Clinicians' tendency to report depended on the level of certainty they had that abuse was occurring. Professionals' attribution of responsibility to the father and mother varied as a function of the type of abuse occurring. The impact of victim characteristics on clinicians' reporting is discussed.