Exploration of anatomical dolls by nonreferred preschool-aged children: comparisons by age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

The contributions of age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status (SES) to differences in nonreferred (i.e., presumably nonabused) preschool-aged children's interactions with anatomical dolls were explored. Significant age findings included a decrease with age in manual exploration, an increase in showing doll-to-doll kissing and an increase in demonstrating suggestive intercourse between the dolls. Although 2-year-olds were active in undressing the dolls and exploring the genitals, anus, and breasts, no 2-year-old displayed any sexualized behaviors with the dolls. Six percent (6%) of the children demonstrated clear intercourse positioning. Only low SES black males, ages 4 and 5, demonstrated clear intercourse positioning when the interviewer was present in the room. However, such demonstrations were seen across gender and race and SES when the children were left alone with the dolls. The implications of the findings for evaluators who interview children using anatomical dolls are discussed.