Physiological responses to child abuse stimuli as criteria for selection of hotline counselors.

Physiological responses of 44 male and female undergraduates to child abuse stimuli were recorded for the purpose of making recommendations for the selection and training of child abuse hotline counselors. The Ss' heart rate, finger pulse volume, and skin resistance were measured on a dynograph while they were listening to three case histories on a tape and viewing six slides, depicting child abuse cases. Generally, the hypotheses that women have stronger reactions than men, and adults with children have stronger reactions than adults without children were supported. It was found that men tended to be less emotionally affected by exposure to child abuse stimuli and, therefore, presumably are able to deal with it with less emotional bias. A training program consisting of desensitization, mock calls, and initial supervised participation in counseling and a follow-up habituation study were suggested.