Reviews research demonstrating the variable effects of childhood sexual abuse, need for intervention, and effectiveness of available treatment. Proposes extending and modifying treatment from mainstream clinical child psychology to sexually abused children. Interventions range from psychoeducation and screening, to short-term, abuse-focused…

Discusses controversy surrounding a 1998 article on the effects of child sexual abuse, which resulted in official condemnation by Congress and actions by the American Psychological Association to assuage Congressional critics. Written from the perspective of a psychologist serving in Congress, this article discusses political and organizational…

Examines the history of registration and notification statutes for sex offenders and concerns and legal challenges they have faced, noting psychology's limited knowledge about normal versus abnormal sexual development and research suggesting that recidivism rates for sexual offenses may be lower for juveniles than adults who have received…

Discusses a 1998 article on the effects of child sexual abuse, which created considerable controversy in the media, conservative organizations, and Congress. The incident raises questions about authors' responsibilities in reporting controversial findings, academic and scientific freedom, the American Psychological Association's role in disabusing…

Addresses issues surrounding a 1998 study on the effects of childhood sexual abuse from the perspective of the editors who accepted the manuscript, discussing the appropriateness of their editorial decision, inferred motivations of the authors, the editor's role in specific study recommendations and in minimizing mischaracterization of study…

A 1998 article on the effects of child sexual abuse created a storm of controversy and was vehemently denounced by members of the general public, media outlets, conservative grassroots organizations, state legislatures, and Congress. This article chronicles these events, noting challenges faced by the American Psychological Association to resolve…

The scientific study of child witnesses has influenced both developmental science and jurisprudence concerning children. Focusing on the author's own studies, 4 categories of research are briefly reviewed: (a) children's eyewitness memory and suggestibility; (b) memory for traumatic events in childhood; (c) disclosure of child sexual abuse; and…