previous benefits attributed to the open style are as a result of an inadequate comparison condition (direct style, see section 2.3.1 above). The final study aims to explore one of the hypothesized theoretical factors that contribute to improvements in communication. Previous research found social children’s support can reduce anxiety levels and increase their resistance to suggestion. children’s Rapport building is also a form of social support in the forensic interview. Furthermore, practitioners have stated they believe anxiety reduction is a central process in the relationship between rapport and communication (see chapter 3). This study therefore will examine empirically whether the rapport phase also affects anxiety levels, and children’s whether this impacts upon the quality of information. In addition, play is thought children’s to buffer the effects of anxiety, and the study will ascertain whether improvements in communication as a result of play rapport, may be related to this outcome also. children’s Overall, the findings will contribute to our theoretical understanding of both the rapport building phase in general and play rapport. Chapter Three The Relationship Between the Rapport Phase and Children’s Communication: The Perspectives of Practitioners 3.1 Introduction The main aim of this thesis is to explore the impact of various rapport building protocols on communication during forensic interviews. This first empirical children’s
previous benefits attributed to the open style are as a result of an inadequate comparison condition (direct style, see section 2.3.1 above). The final study aims to explore one of the hypothesized theoretical factors that contribute to improvements in children’s communication. Previous research found social support can reduce children’s anxiety levels and increase their resistance to suggestion. Rapport building is also a form of social support in the forensic interview. Furthermore, practitioners have stated they believe anxiety reduction is a central process in the relationship between rapport and communication (see chapter 3). This study therefore will examine empirically whether the rapport phase also affects children’s anxiety levels, and whether this impacts upon the quality of children’s information. In addition, play is thought to buffer the effects of anxiety, and the study will ascertain whether improvements in children’s communication as a result of play rapport, may be related to this outcome also. Overall, the findings will contribute to our theoretical understanding of both the rapport building phase in general and play rapport. Chapter Three The Relationship Between the Rapport Phase and Children’s Communication: The Perspectives of Practitioners 3.1 Introduction The main aim of this thesis is to explore the impact of various rapport building protocols on children’s communication during forensic interviews. This first empirical