Evaluating the Impact of Betrayal for Children Exposed in Photographs

Elements of betrayal trauma theory (Freyd, 1996) are used to evaluate potential negative and positive consequences for children who serve as artistic models, particularly those who model for their artist parents. Several dimensions are considered in evaluating the likelihood of harm: nudity, motives of the artist, consent, external vulnerability, and objectification. Recommendations to artists include appointing an advocate for the child, discussing photographic sessions and allowing observers, and going beyond standard release procedures. Similarities to the domains of creative writing and research psychology are considered. Copyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.