This problem is typically caused by well intended adults innocently exchanging their sincere and honest beliefs regarding occurrences. However, these rumors effect not only the child but the interviewers which are having contact with the child. As the interviewing social workers will have typically adopted a belief system as to whether or not there has been abuse prior to the first interview even occurring. Further, the repeated questioning effect continues as therapist become involved with the children. Therapy itself again continues to reinforce the fact of the occurrence and the nature of the occurrence.
Children are also during therapy positively rewarded and affirmed for memories and disclosures.
The positive reinforcements of these disclosures reinforces both the children's belief in the accuracy of their memory and also their willingness to come forward with more information, because of seeking the approval of adults around them. This occurs as school counselors speak to parents, the parents then speak to police officers, the parents speak to attorneys, the school principals become involved. It becomes very important to realize what was said and who it was said to, Doctors also are influenced by the reports of the adults as they take the medical history from generally the reporting parent, as to the suspected abuse. The relationship with the doctor whether it be psychological or medical, has a great influence not only on the children but also on the adults. The physicians enjoy enormous respect and credibility from adults and children alike.