University of Twente Student Theses
Nonverbal Behaviour as a Cue for Vulnerability : Examining ASD and ADHD Suspects in Investigative Interviewing
Bouma, D. (2025) Nonverbal Behaviour as a Cue for Vulnerability : Examining ASD and ADHD Suspects in Investigative Interviewing.
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| Abstract: | Investigative interviews rely on rapport-building and memory recall to obtain accurate and reliable information from a suspect. However, individuals with autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (referred to as AuDHD) may experience differences in memory recall and rapport-building behaviours, which misalign with normative expectations. Additionally, their nonverbal traits are often misinterpreted as deceiving, increasing risks like false confessions. Using a virtual mock-burglary scenario, this study examines how suspect status (guilty vs. innocent), self-reported rapport and cognitive load influenced nonverbal behaviour. A moderated mediation model tested whether rapport mediated the relationship between neurodiversity status and nonverbal behaviour and whether cognitive load moderated these effects. While no differences in nonverbal behaviour frequency were found, AuDHD participants exhibited longer durations of nonverbal behaviour. This lack of difference may be attributed to high rapport scores across the groups, as higher rapport associates with increased nonverbal behaviour. However, rapport mediated this effect for AuDHD participants but only with low cognitive load, suggesting that AuDHD individuals differs in response rapport. Cognitive load did not moderate these effects. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing AuDHD individuals’ unique nonverbal traits during investigative interview settings. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106126 |
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