Date of Conferral

1-19-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Kia Cain

Abstract

Interrogation techniques are influenced by the interrogator's style and the individual being interviewed. Most law enforcement agencies use adult-centered interrogation methods, leading to suboptimal results when working with youth. The research has focused on youth offenders in the interrogation room and the choices they make, often leading to false confessions when an attorney is absent. This suggests that the presence of legal representation helps protect youths' vulnerability, suggestibility, and rights, thereby reducing the likelihood of false confessions. This qualitative collective case study aimed to understand why youth offenders falsely confess by collecting seven anonymous questionnaires from multigender U.S. practicing attorneys involved in youth interrogations. The study was grounded in the interrogation decision-making model and prospect theory, which identified the reasons and conditions under which individuals falsely confess or deny wrongdoing in interrogations. The framework also examined which interrogation techniques are most effective for youth. The main research question explored how the presence of an attorney decreases the likelihood of youth falsely confessing. Themes from the anonymous questionnaire responses were coded to reflect participants' views, experiences, opportunities for improvement, and policy suggestions related to interrogation. The results of these analyses indicated elevated guilty confession rates even with an attorney present, preferred use of adult-centered interrogation tactics, and lack of consideration of youth coping mechanisms and behavioral reactions. The study contributes to positive social change by enhancing and standardizing current or new policies and protocols regarding youth vulnerability in the interrogation room.

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