Body maps do not facilitate children's reports of touch

Abstract

In two experiments, we assessed children's ability to use body maps to report where they were touched. Five- to 6-year-old children participated in a contrived event and were interviewed either immediately or after a delay. Overall, children's reports were incomplete and inaccurate. We conclude that body maps do not facilitate children's reports of touch and should not be used in clinical or legal interviews with children of this age. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.