; (BB) age; (CC) gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity; (DD) educational background; (EE) physical or mental health issues; (FF) shame, stigma, or denial; (GG) communication difficulties; (HH) intercultural barriers; and (II) the circumstances under which such statements were made. (dd) Duty to assist A trier of fact shall have an affirmative duty to assist the applicant in providing credible testimony. (ee) Consistency with scientific literature A credibility assessment conducted under this clause, and any credibility finding made, shall be consistent with current scientific literature relating to behavioral indicators of truth-telling, the nature of traumatic memories, and the ability of trauma survivors to recall aspects of, and surrounding, a traumatic event. (ff) Timing A credibility assessment under this clause may not be made until after— (AA) an interview of the applicant