The psychology of interrogative suggestibility: A vulnerability during interview

Abstract

This study uses structural equation modelling to investigate the psychological mechanism underpinning interrogative suggestibility on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS). It considers the relationship between neuroticism (vulnerability especially) and compliance within the Five-Factor personality model, fearful avoidant attachment (FAA), the experience of intense negative life events (iNLE) and interrogative suggestibility. Each participant completed the GSS 1, the Life Events Questionnaire, the Relationship Scale Questionnaire, and the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. Findings show that: (i) vulnerability and FAA correlate; FAA patterns indirectly affect misinformation acceptance both in the absence of pressure (Yield 1) and in response to pressure (Yield 2) through iNLE. (ii) FAA patterns and compliance indirectly affect sensitivity to interrogative pressure (Shift scores) through iNLE. An endogenous tendency towards distress, FAA, and compliant tendencies (with respect to Shift scores) may be the basis of individual differences in interrogative suggestibility. This could manifest as false statements and inconsistencies in answer during questioning.