In her dissertation, Dr. Dutton notes:

“Other researchers have described disclosure as an event, and that most children made a clear disclosure initially and remained consistent in their accounts over time (Bradley & Wood, 1996).” 

Gender differences in children’s disclosures and legal narratives of sexual abuse.
Wendy A. Dutton. A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree doctor of philosophy.  Approved April 2011, Madelaine Adelman, Chair. Arizona State University.  Page 26.

For Delayed Disclosure, Piecemeal Disclosure, and/or Script Memory:

1. How did the studies Dr. Dutton is citing account for sexual assault claims that were true, unfounded, or false?
2. Can she give an example in which this particular memory process has been shown to be falsifiable?
3. How has the research and Dr. Dutton’s testimony accounted for motivations for false reporting?
4. How has her testimony accounted for confounding variables?
   • Subject-Variable interactions
   • Possible external mediators
   • Cultural or gender issues
5. How has Dr. Dutton’s testimony accounted for confirmation bias?
   • Blind / double-blind
   • CSA lacks predictive ability
   • It should not be used to infer that CSA has or has not occurred

Dr. Dutton:
Jensen, Gulbrandsen, Mossige, Reichelt, & Tjersland (2005) conducted a qualitative study of 22 children, 15 girls and seven boys, between 3- and 16- years of age. The children in this sample received psychological treatment for sexual abuse at a university based clinic. Children and their caretakers were interviewed by researchers after therapeutic interventions were completed. Therapeutic sessions and research interviews were video and audio recorded. Researchers evaluated the children’s interviews to identify reasons why children delayed disclosing CSA, and what factors facilitated their disclosures. Children reported that they feared the consequences of telling, in particular, that disclosure would negatively impact their mothers. Children were concerned that disclosures would negatively impact themselves, their siblings, or the perpetrator. Children were also concerned that they would not be believed or supported if they disclosed. Children stated that it was difficult to find the right time or opportunity to disclose. Common triggers for disclosure included potential exposure to the perpetrator, exposure to abuse-prevention media, or someone questioning them directly about concerning behaviors or emotional problems. As compelling as these findings were, the authors reported that there were significant limitations in this study. For example, corroboration of abuse was present for only four children involved in the study. In addition, caretakers and siblings were included in the children’s therapeutic sessions and interviews. Therapists or the children’s family members may have influenced or shaped children’s interpretations and accounts of their experiences. 

Gender differences in children’s disclosures and legal narratives of sexual abuse.
Wendy A. Dutton. A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree doctor of philosophy.  Approved April 2011, Madelaine Adelman, Chair. Arizona State University.  Page 29-30.