James N. Bow

Testing in child custody evaluations-selection, usage, and daubert admissibility : A survey of psychologists

ABSTRACT A survey of psychologists (N = 89) was conducted examine issues regarding test selection, usage rates, and Daubert admissibility in child custody evaluations. Findings revealed that respondents used selection criteria commonly cited in the forensic literature. They viewed the major purposes of testing as ruling out psychopathology and assessing personality functioning. Interestingly, less emphasis was placed on generating and testing hypotheses. In general, a limited number of tests and inventories were endorsed as meeting the Dauber standard. Implications for practice are addressed, particularly strategies for defending child custody testing practices against Daubert challenges.

Blink Rate Abnormalities in Autistic and Mentally Retarded Children: Relationship to Dopaminergic Activity

Abstract Blink rate, a putative noninvasive measure of central dopaminergic activity, was observed in developmentally disabled children. Autistic subjects had elevated blink rates when compared with normal subjects. These results are consistent with research that suggests that autism is associated with brain dopaminergic hyperactivity. The findings of diminished blink rate in mentally retarded children may not be related to dopaminergic activity and raise questions about what alternative mechanisms might be responsible.

Review of Empirical Research on Child Custody Practice

ABSTRACT This article reviews the current state of child custody practice and its significant changes over the past 20 years. Three types of research methodology are reviewed regarding child custody practice: survey research with child custody evaluators, survey research with judges and attorneys, and content analysis of child custody reports. The assessment of specialized issues in child custody evaluations, such as sexual abuse and domestic violence, are addressed as well. Factors promoting change in child custody practice over the years are discussed, along with areas needing further improvement and research.

An Analysis of Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of the MMPI-2 and MCMI-II/III in Child Custody Evaluations

ABSTRACT A survey of experienced psychologists was conducted to analyze the procedures used in administering, scoring, and interpreting the MMPI-2 and MCMI-II/III in child custody evaluations. Findings revealed some major concerns, such as over-reliance on computer-generated interpretive reports, lack of knowledge about base rate cut-offs for interpreting the MCMI-II/III, and a failure to consider available MMPI-2 context specific normative data for child custody litigants. Also, a smaller group of psychologists hand scored the protocols or failed to verify computer keypad data entry, and allowed examinees to take the test in the lobby. The rationales underlying these concerns are outlined, along with the need for psychologists to adhere closely to professional and ethical standards in this regard.

Licensing Board Complaints in Child Custody Practice

This study explored licensing board complaints among psychologists (N = 117) involved in child custody practice. Findings indicated that a high number of participants (63%) had been subject to licensing board complaints. However, of those complaint cases described, only a small number resulted in disciplinary action. Participants identified warning signs for possible complaints along with risk management strategies they utilized. Though participants viewed the complaint process as stressful, they maintained a very favorable view of licensing boards and professional insurance companies. A notable finding was that one-third of those who received complaints lacked liability insurance coverage. Implications for child custody practice are outlined.

Developing and Managing a Child Custody Practice

This study explored how psychologists developed and managed a child custody practice. A national sample of 138 psychologists obtained from public access referral sites and a child custody listserv responded to the survey, with a total sample response rate of 44%. The majority of respondents gradually developed their child custody practices as an outgrowth of other practice areas. Prerequisite training for many respondents seemed insufficient, but they became increasingly invested in professional development over time, despite the majoritys devoting less than half their time to this professional activity. Respondents reported satisfaction in conducting child custody evaluations but also saw it as a stressful and high-risk type of practice, as was evidenced by the high number of licensing board, ethics, and malpractice complaints reported.

Complex Alienation Dynamics and Very Young Children

Infants and preschoolers living in families beset by alienation dynamics are widely thought to resist alienation because of their immature emotional and cognitive abilities. Most writers also agree, however, that these children remain at significant risk for later consolidated alienation if family circumstances are not expeditiously changed. We address the resiliency and risk of very young children in the face of alienation, drawing on the literatures of attachment theory, child development, family systems, cognition, memory, and high conflict divorce. We also explore issues important to a thorough evaluation in these families and make suggestions as to effective treatments.

Commentary: MMPI-2 Readability

ABSTRACT This commentary is meant as a clarification of a discussion in the Journal of Child Custody, Volume 2, Issue 4 on MMPI-2 readability found in an article by Bow, Flens, and Gould, “An Analysis of Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of the MMPI-2 and MCMI-II/III in Child Custody Evaluations.” This commentary explores whether an MMPI-2 test taker needs an eighth grade reading level or a sixth grade reading level to take the test. Arguments are presented on both sides of this issue. These authors conclude that at least an eighth grade reading level is mandatory. The authors encourage psychologists who administer this test to give the test taker a reading test if they suspect that the litigant might not read at an eighth grade level; and they suggest that the difficult reading items be analyzed through an examination of unanswered and critical items.

Forensic Evaluation of Internet Sexual Activity

ABSTRACT A vast array of sexually explicit material and activity is available on the Internet. As a result, an increased number of allegations of sexual impropriety have surfaced, sometimes resulting in criminal or civil action. Forensic psychologists can play an important role in investigating such allegations. This article provides an overview of the historical and legal issues regarding obscenity and pornography, along with the empirical research in this area. A comprehensive model is proposed for evaluating alleged sexual improprieties involving computer and Internet usage. This article also reviews the implication of such activity, and addresses ways of monitoring inappropriate or illegal usage.