Factors Influencing the Reporting of Father-Child Sexual Abuse: Study of Licensed Practicing Psychologists

Several studies have indicated that high proportions of practicing psychologists fail to report case's 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.