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Socioeconomic Status and Ethnic Differences in Preschoolers' Interactions with Anatomically Detailed Dolls

East Carolina University

Brenda Dawson

Neuromedical Center, Baton Rouge

Karl Weunsch

East Carolina University

This study examined socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnic differences in the responses of 68 nonabused preschoolers during an anatomically detailed (AD) doll interview. In 9% of the observation intervals, children demonstrated behaviors that professionals have often associated with sexual abuse. Of these behaviors, children were more likely to explore dolls' sexual body parts, avoid the dolls, and display aggression with the dolls. They were least likely to display sexual aggression, sexualized behavior, and affection with the dolls. Low-SES, African American children were more likely to demonstrate sexualized behavior with the dolls. However, the independent contributions of race and SES were difficult to determine due to limited access to low-SES White children. These results underscore the need for caution in the interpretation of AD doll interviews with all preschoolers, but particularly those from a low-SES, African American background.

Child Maltreatment, Vol. 3, No. 1, 43-52 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/1077559598003001004


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