Citation

Howells LAL, Furnell JRG, Puckering C, Harris J. Leg. Crim. Psychol. 1996; 1(2): 233-250.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, British Psychological Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.2044-8333.1996.tb00322.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Purpose. This study attempted systematic assessment of children's experience of anxiety before, during and after a hearing within the Scottish Children's Hearing System, together with possible maladaptive effects of such anxiety during a Hearing and causes of any anxiety. It was hypothesized that, firstly, children would experience different levels of anxiety before, during and after the Hearing compared with a comparison group of children who did not attend a Hearing; secondly, anxiety within a Hearing would vary with the age of the child; and thirdly, participation in the Hearing proceedings would also vary with anxiety level.Methods. Experimental participants were 47 children attending a Children's Panel Hearing. A semi-structured interview was undertaken and questionnaires administered including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (for participants up to 12 years), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (for participants over 13 years), and the Faces scales, all with each participant immediately before and after his or her appearance at a Hearing. Hearings were observed to record behavioural indicators of child anxiety and participation. The questionnaire measures were also completed by a normative comparison group of schoolchildren.Results. Children attending Hearings experienced higher mean levels of State (transient) anxiety and negative affect, before and during Hearing proceedings. Negative correlations were demonstrated between state anxiety and participation in Hearings by older attenders. Attenders were concerned the Hearing would have a negative outcome for them; specifically, that they would be 'sent away from home'.Conclusions. Research using child-orientated methodology can be undertaken in the Hearing setting. The results suggest children experience anxiety before and during Hearings, with important implications for the preparation and support of child attenders at Hearings.

Language: en