How do fidget toys influence memory recall and disclosure in forensic interview settings?

Forensic interviews are critical components of criminal investigations, relying heavily on witnesses' ability to accurately recall and disclose information. However, memory recall and disclosure can be impaired by stress and anxiety. This study investigated whether the use of fidget toys during a mock forensic interview could enhance memory recall, affect disclosure rates, and moderate anxiety, particularly in relation to neurodivergent traits. Participants completed a mock interview either with or without access to a fidget toy. Results indicated that fidget toys did not significantly improve memory recall, but also did not impair it. While fidget toys had no significant effect on negative disclosures, they were associated with an increase in positive disclosures, suggesting they may be particularly beneficial for less emotionally charged information sharing. The intervention’s impact on anxiety appeared limited, potentially due to reductions in anxiety occurring prior to the fidget toy use. These findings offer preliminary insights into the potential utility of fidget toys as supportive tools in forensic interview settings, warranting further investigation into their role in facilitating disclosure and emotional regulation.