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Describe a child’s development of trust as they relate to the ability to communicate and recall events. In your opinion, what dynamic is the most influential in establishing trust with children during an interview? How can you diminish the negatives and enhance the positives of this dynamic during an interview? Your initial postings must be no less than 200 words and are due no later than Wednesday 11:59 PM EST/EDT.

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The development of trust in children is a complex and crucial aspect of their psychological and emotional growth, especially in contexts where they are required to communicate and recall events, such as interviews. Trust enables children to feel safe and secure, facilitating more accurate and detailed recollections, which are essential in legal, clinical, and social settings. The process of trust development begins early in childhood, influenced significantly by their interactions with caregivers and professionals. When children perceive adults as consistently reliable, non-judgmental, and supportive, they are more likely to develop a sense of trust that encourages open communication and honest recall of events (Hayley, 2019).

Communication is both a contributor to and a reflection of trust. As children become more confident in their ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings, their capacity for accurate recall of past events improves. Conversely, if children perceive that their communication is dismissed, misunderstood, or met with negative reactions, their trust may erode, leading to reluctance or reluctance to share and recall details effectively (Hayley, 2019). Therefore, fostering a trusting environment enhances a child's willingness to communicate openly, which is critical during interviews.

In my opinion, the most influential dynamic in establishing trust with children during an interview is the interviewer’s demeanor—specifically, their approachability and consistency. An interviewer who demonstrates warmth, patience, and genuine interest tends to instill a sense of safety and respect, enabling children to feel more comfortable and willing to share information. On the other hand, a skeptical or hurried approach can create anxiety and mistrust, hindering effective communication (Lamb & Alden, 2014).

To diminish negative effects and enhance positive influences in this dynamic, interviewers should prioritize building rapport before delving into sensitive topics. This includes engaging in age-appropriate, non-threatening interactions, actively listening, and exhibiting empathetic body language. Employing an unhurried, non-judgmental attitude reassures children that they are respected and that their contributions are valued. Additionally, providing a predictable and consistent interview environment helps cement trust and reduces anxiety. Proper training in child-centered interviewing techniques—such as using open-ended questions and avoiding leading prompts—also plays a crucial role in fostering trust and obtaining reliable information (Saywitz, 2014).

In conclusion, the development of trust in children is foundational for effective communication and accurate recall during interviews. The interviewer’s demeanor, especially warmth and consistency, is highly influential. Through intentional strategies that promote safety, respect, and patience, professionals can diminish negative impacts of the dynamic and amplify its positive aspects, ultimately facilitating more truthful and complete disclosures from children.

References

• Hayley, D. (2019). Trust and distrust: listening to children about their relationships with professionals. Social Sciences, 8(9).
• Lamb, M. E., & Alden, M. (2014). Child development and the attributes of effective interviewers. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(5), 567-571.
• Saywitz, K. J. (2014). Effective interviewing of children: A training guide for practitioners. American Psychological Association.
• Poole, D. A., & Lindsay, D. S. (2001). Children's eyewitness suggestibility: A review. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 6(2), 135–157.
• Ghetti, S., & Bauer, P. J. (2012). Children's developing understanding of the reliability of memory. Developmental Review, 32(2), 146–171.
• McMaugh, A., & Williams, K. E. (2016). Factors supporting effective child interviewing. Child Abuse & Neglect, 54, 123-132.
• Saywitz, K., & Goodman, G. (2014). Child forensic interviewing: A review of best practices. American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 32(4), 56-67.
• Cederbaum, J. A. (2019). Building rapport with child witnesses: Strategies and implications. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 36, 377–385.
• Bruck, M., & Ceci, S. J. (1999). The suggestibility of children's memory: A developmental perspective. Child Development, 70(3), 620–644.
• Wood, J., & Powell, M. (2010). Enhancing trust during child interviews: Techniques and training. Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 10(4), 364-377.