Evaluation of an Integrative Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation Protocol for Psychologists: A Delphi Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/15730

Keywords:

child sexual abuse, evaluation, child forensic interviews, protocols, models, assessment

Abstract

This article, the third of a trio of articles, evaluates the proposed integrative child sexual abuse (CSA) evaluation protocol by expert psychologists within the design and development (D&D) model framework. The Delphi method consisted of one round of data collection to obtain experts’ opinions about the proposed protocol. The study involved twelve expert psychologists who participated in individual semi-structured interviews. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. As a result, four themes emerged from the data: 1) Feedback on the content, structure, and phases; 2) Strengths of the proposed protocol; 3) The proposed protocol’s limitations; and 4) Controversies among the experts. The feedback from the experts allows for the construction of the proposed protocol around the essential fundamentals highlighted by the participants. The data gathered from the Delphi panel will be used to compile the newly developed integrative CSA evaluation protocol for psychologists.

Author Biography

Esmé van Rensburg, University of the Free State

ESMé VAN RENSBURG is a full professor affiliated with the University of Free State, South Africa. She obtained her PhD at the University of Free State, South Africa. Her special interests include forensic psychology, child psychopathology, therapy and ethics, and she has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals.

References

Alcantara, R., K. M. Shortway, and B. A. Prempeh. 2019. “The Relationship between Social Dominance Orientation and Child Sexual Abuse Credibility.” Journal of Child Sexual Abuse 28 (4): 400–416. http://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2019.1592271. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2019.1592271

Al-Saadi, H. 2014. “Demystifying Ontology and Epistemology in Research Methods.” Research Gate 1 (1): 1–10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260244813.

American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. 2023. “Forensic Interviewing of Children.” APSAC. 30014.pdf (apsaclibrary.org).

American Psychological Association. 2013. “Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters.” The American Psychologist 68 (1): 20–31. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0029891. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029891

American Psychological Association. 2017. “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.” https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/.

Arbiyah, N., H. Otgaar, M. Sauerland, E. Rassin, E. Maegherman, and H. Merckelbach. 2023. “The Use of Alternative Scenarios in Assessing the Reliability of Victims’ Statements.” Psychology, Crime & Law: 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2023.2236274. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2023.2236274

Badenhorst, S. 2020. “Guidelines for the Mental Health Professional Acting as an Expert Witness.” In Principles and Practices of Forensic Psychology & Other Related Professions, edited by S. Badenhorst. Juta.

Barrett, D., and R. Heale. 2020. “What Are Delphi Studies?” Evidence-based Nursing 23 (3): 68–69. http://doi.org/10.1136/ebnurs-2020-103303. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/ebnurs-2020-103303

Bernet, W. 1997. “Practice Parameters for the Forensic Evaluation of Children and Adolescents Who May Have Been Physically or Sexually Abused.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 36 (10): 37–56. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-199710001-00004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-199710001-00004

Birdthistle, I. J., S. Floyd, S. Mwanasa, A. Nyagadza, E. Gwiza, and J. R. Glynn. 2011. “Child Sexual Abuse and Links to HIV and Orphanhood in Urban Zimbabwe.” Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 65: 1075–1082.

https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2009.094359. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2009.094359

Borelli, J. L., C. Cohen, C. Pettit, L. Normandin, M. Target, P. Fonagy, and K. Ensink. 2019. “Maternal and Child Sexual Abuse History: An Intergenerational Exploration of Children’s Adjustment and Maternal Trauma-Reflective Functioning.” Frontiers in Psychology 10: 1062. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01062. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01062

Braun, V., and V. Clarke. 2020. “One Size Fits All? What Counts as Quality Practice in (Reflexive) Thematic Analysis?” Qualitative Research in Psychology 18 (3): 328–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238

Bronfenbrenner, U. 1994. “Ecological Models of Human Development.” Readings on the Development of Children 2 (1): 37–43. https://www.ncj.nl/wp-content/uploads/media-import/docs/6a45c1a4-82ad-4f69-957e-1c76966678e2.pdf.

Campbell, K. A., E. Orr, P. Durepos, L. Nguyen, L. Li, C. Whitmore, P. Gehrke, L. Graham, and S. M. Jack. 2021. “Reflexive Thematic Analysis for Applied Qualitative Health Research.” The Qualitative Report 26 (6): 2011–2028. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.5010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.5010

Cheung, M. 2012. Child Sexual Abuse: Best Practices for Interviewing and Treatment. Lyceum Books. https://uh.edu/socialwork/_docs/cwep/childSexualAbuseBook.pdf.

Cirlugea, O., and W. T. O’Donohue. 2016. “Review of Psychometrics of Forensic Interview Protocols with Children.” In Forensic Interviews Regarding Child Sexual Abuse. A Guide to Evidence-Based Practice, edited by W. T. O’Donohue, and M. Fanetti. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21097-1_13

Creswell, J. W. 2014. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Method Approaches, 4th ed. SAGE.

David, N., O. Ezechi, A. Wapmuk, T. Gbajabiamila, A. Ohihoin, E. Herbertson, and K. Odeyemi. 2018. “Child Sexual Abuse and Disclosure in South Western Nigeria: A Community Based Study.” African Health Sciences 18: 199–208.

https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v18i2.2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v18i2.2

De Villiers, B., E. Van Rensburg, and K. Esterhuyse. 2024. “An Integrative Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation Protocol for Psychologists.” Child Abuse Research in South Africa 25 (1): 20–39. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-carsa_v25_n1_a2.

De Villiers, B., and E. Van Rensburg. 2023. “A Systematic Literature Review of Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation Protocols Found in the National and International Literature.” Child Abuse Research: A South African Journal 24 (1): 1–22. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-carsa_v24_n1_a1.

Duron, J. F. 2020. “Searching for Truth: The Forensic Interviewer’s Use of an Assessment Approach While Conducting Child Sexual Abuse Interviews.” Journal of Child Sexual Abuse 29 (2): 183–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1484833. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1484833

Ettinger, T. R. 2022. “Children’s Needs During Disclosures of Abuse.” SN Social Sciences 2 (7): 101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-022-00397-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-022-00397-6

Farrell, R., and V. Veith. 2020. “Childfirst® Forensic Interview Training Program.” APSAC Advisor 32 (2): 56–63. http://apsaclibrary.org/publications/2020%20Number%202/10566.pdf.

Fernandes, D., J. P. Gomes, P. B. Albuquerque, and M. Matos. 2024. “Forensic Interview Techniques in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: A Scoping Review.” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse 25 (2): 1382–1396. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231177317. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231177317

Glancy, G. D., P. Ash, E. P. Bath, A. Buchanan, P. Fedoroff, R. L. Frierson, V. L. Harris, S. J. Hetters Friedman, M. J. Hauser, J. Knoll, M. Norko, D. Pinals, M. Price, P. Recupero, C. L. Schott, and H. V. Zonana. 2015. “AAPL Practice Guideline for the Forensic Assessment.” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law 43 (2): 3–53.

Grobler, C. 2020. “A Regulatory Framework for Psycho-Legal Assessments in South Africa.” PhD diss., University of Pretoria.

Guest, G., E. Namey, and M. Chen. 2020. “A Simple Method to Assess and Report Thematic Saturation in Qualitative Research.” PloS One 15 (5): e0232076. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232076

Koshy, K., C. Limb, B. Gundogan, K. Whitehurst, and D. J. Jafree. 2017. “Reflective Practice in Health Care and How to Reflect Effectively.” International Journal of Surgery. Oncology 2 (6): e20. https://doi.org/10.1097%2FIJ9.0000000000000020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/IJ9.0000000000000020

Laajasalo, T., J. Korkman, T. Pakkanen, M. Oksanen, L. Tuulikki, E. Peltomaa, and E. T. Aronen. 2018. “Applying a Research-Based Assessment Model to Child Sexual Abuse Investigations: Model and Case Descriptions of an Expert Center.” Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice 18 (2): 177–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2018.1449496. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2018.1449496

Markwei, U., and P. M. Tetteh. 2021. “To Speak or Not to Speak: Exploring the Reasons and Channels of (Non) Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse in the Ga Community in Ghana.” Children and Youth Services Review 121: 105796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105796. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105796

Martinello, E. 2020. “Applying the Ecological Systems Theory to Better Understand and Prevent Child Sexual Abuse.” Sexuality & Culture 24 (1): 326–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0145-2134(01)00227-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-019-09629-z

Muridzo, N., V. Chikadzi, and E. Kaseke. 2018. “Challenges Faced by Professionals Working in Child Sexual Abuse Multi-Sectorial Forums: A Case of the Victim-Friendly System in Zimbabwe.” Social Work 54 (4): 452–468. http://doi.org/10.15270/54-4-672. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15270/54-4-672

Naidoo, L., and M. C. Van Hout. 2022. “Understanding Child Sex Offending Trajectories in South Africa: From Victimisation to Perpetration.” Journal of Sexual Aggression 28 (1): 119–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/13552600.2021.1936230. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13552600.2021.1936230

Neal, T. M., K. A. Martire, J. L. Johan, E. M. Mathers, and R. K. Otto. 2022. “The Law Meets Psychological Expertise: Eight Best Practices to Improve Forensic Psychological Assessment.” Annual Review of Law and Social Science 18: 169–192. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-lawsocsci-050420-010148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-lawsocsci-050420-010148

Newlin, C., L. C. Steele, A. Chamberlin, J. Anderson, J. Kenniston, A. Russell, H. Stewart, and V. Vaughan-Eden. 2015. “Child Forensic Interviewing: Best Practices.” U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. http://www.homestudycredit.com/courses/contentMED2-2/MED2-Child-Forensic-Interviewing.pdf.

Niederberger, M., and J. Spranger. 2020. “Delphi Technique in Health Sciences: A Map.” Frontiers in Public Health 8: 457. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00457. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00457

Norman, J., A. Fox, R. Harding, A. Majid, E. Williams, K. Davies, and M. A. Horvath. 2022. “Critical Reflection: The Importance of Case Reviews and Reflective Practice in Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigations.” International Criminology 2 (3): 276–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43576-022-00061-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43576-022-00061-2

Rocchio, L. M. 2020. “Ethical and Professional Considerations in the Forensic Assessment of Complex Trauma and Dissociation.” Psychological Injury and Law 13 (2): 124–134. https://doi.10.1007/s12207-020-09384-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-020-09384-9

Roestenburg, W. J. H., and H. Strydom. 2021. “Intervention Research. Ethical Conduct in Research with Human Participants.” In Research at Grassroots for the Social Sciences and Human Services Profession, 5th ed, edited by C. B. Fouché, H. Strydom, and W. J. H. Roestenburg. Van Schaik.

Roos, V., J. G. Scholtz, and C. Wessels. 2016. An Introduction to Forensic Psychology, 3rd ed. South Africa: Verbum.

Rothman, J., and E. J. Thomas. 1994. Intervention Research: Design and Development for the Human Service. Routledge.

Russell, D., D. Higgins, and A. Posso. 2020. “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review of Interventions and Their Efficacy in Developing Countries.” Child Abuse & Neglect 102: 104395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104395. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104395

Rutakumwa, R., J. O. Mugisha, S. Bernays, E. Kabunga, G. Tumwekwase, M. Mbonye, and J. Seeley. 2020. “Conducting In-Depth Interviews With and Without Voice Recorders: A Comparative Analysis.” Qualitative Research 20 (5): 565–581. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468794119884806. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1468794119884806

Selengia, V., H. Thuy, and D. Mushi. 2020. “Prevalence and Patterns of Child Sexual Abuse in Selected Countries of Asia and Africa: A Review of Literature.” Open Journal of Social Sciences 8: 146–160. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2020.89010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2020.89010

Smith, S., C. C. Wessels, and H. Strydom. 2018. “A Critical Analysis of Different International Models for the Assessment of Child Sexual Abuse Cases in South Africa.” Child Abuse Research in South Africa 19 (2): 74–87. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-11e9f282f2.

South Africa. 1974. Health Professions Act 56 of 1974. Government Gazette.

South Africa. 1996. South African Constitution Act No. 108 of 1996. Government Printer.

South Africa. 2005. Children’s Act 38 of 2005. Government Printer.

South Africa. 2019. Child Justice Amendment Act 28 of 2019. Government Printer.

South African Police Services. 2022. “Crime Statistics: 2022–2023.” SAPS. https://www.saps.gov.za/services/crimestats.php.

Sumner, S. A., J. A. Mercy, J. Saul, N. Motsa-Nzuza, G. Kwesigabo, R. Buluma, L. H. Marcelin, H. Lina, M. Shawa, M. Moloney-Kitts, T. Kilbane, C. Sommarin, D. P. Ligiero, K. Brookmeyer, L. Chiang, V. Lea, J. Lee, H. Kress, and S. D. Hillis. 2015. “Prevalence of Sexual Violence Against Children and Use of Social Services—Seven Countries, 2007–2013.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 64 (21): 565–569. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584766/.

Sumner, S. A., J. A. Mercy, R. Buluma, M. W. Mwangi, L. H. Marcelin, T. Kheam, V. Lea, K. Brookmeyer, H. Kress, and S. D. Hillis. 2016. “Childhood Sexual Violence Against Boys: A Study in 3 Countries.” Pediatrics 137: e20153386. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3386. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3386

Tat, M. C., and A. Ozturk. 2019. “Ecological System Model Approach to Self-Disclosure Process in Child Sexual Abuse.” Current Approaches to Psychiatry 11 (3): 363–386. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.18863/pgy.455511. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.455511

Taylor, E. 2020. “We Agree, Don’t We? The Delphi Method for Health Environments Research.” Health Environments Research & Design Journal 13 (1): 11–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586719887709. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586719887709

UNICEF. 2020. “Action to End Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: A Review of the Evidence.” UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/media/89096/file/CSAE-Report-v2.pdf.

Ward, C. L., L. Artz, L. Leoschut, R. Kassanjee, and P. Burton. 2018. “Sexual Violence Against Children in South Africa: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Correlates.” The Lancet Global Health 6 (4): e460–e468. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30060-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30060-3

World Health Organization. 2022. “Child-Maltreatment.” WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-maltreatment.

Zumbach, J., A. Oster, A. Rademacher, and U. Koglin. 2022. “Reliability and Validity of Behavior Observation Coding Systems in Child Maltreatment Risk Evaluation: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Child and Family Studies 31 (2): 545–562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02160-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02160-6

Published

2025-03-12

How to Cite

de Villiers, Belinda, and Esmé Van Rensburg. 2025. “Evaluation of an Integrative Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation Protocol for Psychologists: A Delphi Study”. Southern African Journal of Social Work and Social Development 37 (1):21 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/15730.

Issue

Section

Articles