Archives of Sexual Behavior, VoL 22, No. 4, 1993 Expert Psychological Testimony in Cases of Alleged Child Sexual Abuse Richard D. McAnulty, Ph.D. 1 Concurrent with the rapid rise in allegations of child sexual abuse, psychologists are increasingly assuming the role of experts for the courts. In this position, a new and more controversial role is often assumed by the expert, that of psychological investigator. 14 review of the common legal contexts for such a role as well as the theoretical and empirical basis for the investigatory role is presented. Ethical issues are also considered. A literature review reveals that many assessment instruments do not meet jurisprudential standards. Suggestions for improving the role of psychological experts in the courtroom include educating the legal audience regarding the limits of psychological testimony, providing standards for qualifications of experts, and emphasizing the data-based probabilistic nature of psychological expert testimony. KEY WORDS: expert testimony;child sexual abuse. INTRODUCTION Allegations of child sexual abuse have increased dramatically in recent years. Nationally, reported cases of physical and sexual abuse and neglect increased by 17% from 1983 to 1984 alone (American Association for Pro- tecting Children, 1986). Concurrently, the public and professionals have be- come increasingly aware and concerned with child sexual abuse. In addition, the sensational media coverage of several cases of alleged sexual abuse has contributed to the growing interest. The role of mental health professionals has undergone changes in concert with the increased attention to the problem of child sexual abuse. 1Department of Psychology,University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223. 311 0004-0002/93/0800-0311507.00/0 © 1993 Plenum Publishing Corporation