Repressed Memories- Myth or Fact?
A repressed memory is the memory of a traumatic event that is pushed to the unconscious brain, where the individual who suffered from the event cannot reach without a form of therapy. The idea of memory repression has been controversial since the 19th century, when Sigmund Freud brought theories of repression to light. After conducting interviews and much research I am a firm believer that the idea of repressed memories is fabricated and holds no truth.
The idea of repressed memories is also known as dissociative amnesia. In a study conducted by Harrison Pope, professor of psychiatry and co-director of the Biological Psychiatry Lab at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital proposed that if repressed memories
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were a native skill of the mind, there would be more literature and written documentation throughout history. Professor of psychiatry James Hudson, professor of English at the U.S. Navel Academy Michael Parker, director of education programs at the National Endowment for the Humanities Michael Poliakoff, and Matthew Boynes, a research assistant were sent on a mission to locate the earliest recorded example of memory repression (Pettus, 2008). The outcome of the mission resulted in no examples of pre-modern sources; due to this the group of researchers put an offer of $1,000 to the first person that could identify memory repression in any literary work before 1800. Again, this search yielded no results, however, there are some texts that describe ordinary forgetfulness caused by biological processes. There were no accounts recorded of a person experiencing a traumatic event and not being able to remember it and then the recovery of the memory (Pettus, 2008). The results of this entire study demonstrates how it is impossible that memory repression is a natural neurological function. Sigmund Freud popularized the idea of memory repression during one of his clinical case studies in the 19th century. Freud used the word repression to explain the way traumatic events have the potential to be blocked out of our conscious mind. All of Freud’s theories were put together in technique of psychoanalysis (A Guide to Psychology and its Practice). Freud’s theories came about through his research on his case studies. There has not been sustainable scientific research for the concept of memory repression. It would be extremely unethical to conduct a scientifically controlled experiment because you cannot force a group of people to suffer a traumatic event and then later in life see who can remember the event and who cannot. Freud’s theories have been considered allegations of childhood sexual abuse (Richmond, Repressed Memories). Dr. Raymond Lloyd Richmond has treated patients who claim to remember lost memories of traumatic events. Dr. Richmond calls these recovered memories, personal revelations. He states the point of therapy is to help the patient with issues in the present, so if these memories are fabricated or real are irrelevant to him. “I’m also careful to be honest about hypnosis and guided imagery, acknowledging their wonderful healing power, yet never trying to attribute any particular “reality” to the results” (Richmond, Repressed Memories). Dr. Richmond realizes that hypnosis can formulate false realizations so he is very careful when using hypnosis to treat his patients. While interviewing peers and faculty members of Manhattan College about how much knowledge one has on the topic of repressed memories, the results concluded that many people know about them but have nothing to back up their thoughts.
In an interview with Dr. Nuwan Jayawickreme, assistant professor of psychology, his results concluded that repressed memories do not exist. When asked the question: Do you believe that it is possible to completely repress a memory and then later on in life through therapy rediscover the memory? Dr. Jayawickreme stated that he does not believe that we have memories that we do not have access to and through therapy we can recover them. However, he did mention that when a person suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder they do not like to think about the memory because it is too painful. This does not mean the person repressed the memory and then later in life it will reappear, this means that the person can tell you about the traumatic event but will be very upset and prefer not to talk about it. Dr. Jayawickreme also stated that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the idea of repressed memories. In an interview with an older relative it was evident that the average person does not possess much knowledge on the idea of repressed memories. When asked the question: How much do you know about repressed memories? The peer paused and had to contemplate her answer, and then preceded to speculate that it means a traumatic event that …show more content…
someone blocks out and the person usually will get flashbacks to the event. The person also believed that the memory could be brought about through hypnosis because the therapist can draw out the memory from the person’s unconscious. Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, professor of psychology and expert researcher on the manipulability and trustworthiness of repressed memories is an important spokesperson for the False Memory Syndrome Foundation. “She has done innumerable studies of over 20,000 subjects showing that eyewitness testimonies are often unreliable and that false memories can be triggered in up to 25 percent of people merely by suggestion or giving of incorrect post event information” (Niemark, 1996). Dr. Loftus proves in her studies that the memory can be altered by outside influences and being given incorrect information after an even occurs. This proves that through the process of hypnosis is not accurate way to help someone locate a repressed memory. The hypnotist can suggest the idea of a traumatic event to a person while they are hypnotized and that leads the mind into that direction. The information uncovered through hypnosis would have to be carefully evaluated to determine its validity. It has been criticized that changing an existing memory is completely different from formulating an entirely new memory that bears no validity.
Researchers have debated whether or not therapists are the cause of these false memories. “Just because a memory seems detailed, just because the person seems confident in it, and just because emotion is expressed when the memory is contemplated, does not mean it really happened. (Laney, Loftus 827). This supports the idea that repressed memories are not true and can be formulated with outside help. Although the person may believe in their hearts that once a memory is uncovered it is true, that is not the case. A person can have a memory that never existed and the only reason it is brought about is by being a person susceptible to theories from their therapist as to why they are unhappy in their
life. Prior to much research and time spent contemplating if I was asked whether repressed memories were a myth or a fact, I would have said they were a fact. Having researched repressed memories; it is evident that they are not possible. I believe in the idea of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), when a person refuses to talk about a traumatic event due to the pain it will cause. People who suffer from PTSD do not forget the memory; they choose to not speak about it. The idea of repressed memories being uncovered through therapy is not reliable. When a person is under hypnosis the therapist can steer the persons mind any way they want. I agree with Dr. Jayawickreme, repressed memories are a myth they are not possible. Although, further research still needs to be done, the recent findings prove it is impossible to completely block out a memory and then years later recover it. Works Cited: Born, C. (n.d.). Elizabeth Loftus. Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/loftus.htm Laney, C., & Loftus, E. F. (2005). Traumatic Memories Are Not Necessarily Accurate Memories. The Canadian Journal Of Psychiatry / La Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie, 50(13), 823-828. Neimark, Jill. 1996. " The Diva of Disclosure, Memory researcher Elizabeth Loftus". Psychology Today. January Vol.29 Pg.48 Pope, H. (n.d.). Repressed memory. Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://skepdic.com/repressedmemory.html Richmond, R. (n.d.). Repressed Memories. Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://www.guidetopsychology.com/repressn.htm
Memories can be altered based on acquisition, storage, and retrieval. Acquisition is what we notice or perceive based on what we are paying attention to. Storage is what information gets stored into one’s memory. Retrieval correlates with the false memory syndrome, which is recalling a previous traumatic experience that is false but believed to be true. The false memory syndrome is often noticed during police interrogations and leads to coerced confessions, which is when the individual being interrogated is essentially pressured to confess.
I believe that having a false memory is more likely to occur because if our real memories change over time the story, arguing that a repressed memory stays intact after years of being blocked, is illogical. Most of the cases, the repressed memory came back because it was forced by external factors that may have altered the veracity of the memory, which makes repressed memories unreliable as testimonies. I believe that there is truth in both topics, however, the cases presented in the film, and how the victims reacted to the memories gives the viewer a sign that most of the cases were under the influence of false memories.
Those who are in favor of retrieved memories state that these memories can be repressed and remain unattainable for years until an individual seeks therapy, where these memories can often be uncovered and trauma related to them can be treated (Freyd, 1994). On the other hand, some individuals have expressed concerns with the concept of repressed memories since, according to them, there is little scientific evidence that can support the theory (Patihis, Ho, Tingen, Lilienfeld & Loftus, 2014). In other words, cases where individuals experience traumatic events but often lack memories of these, often do not provide sufficient reliable evidence to make credible arguments. Memory research offers further insight into the controversial topic of “memory wars” by explaining if the notion of repressing memories and placing them into the unconscious is a feasible hypothesis. Furthermore, research presented in this brief will discuss the reliability and usefulness of using recovered memories as evidence in a court cases. Due to the controversial nature of recovered memories in judicial courts and scientific communities, it is important to consider research in the area to determine truthfulness in allegations involving recovered memories, as these have previously posed
Repressed memories is a topic that has been an ongoing dispute among some, however ac...
This would help us in understanding the reconstructive aspect of memory further. Thereupon conscious efforts could be taken to reduce false memories in individuals suffering from psychological disorders. As some disorders are usually a result of misinterpretation of events in life due to perverted inner beliefs or fears, this can be an appropriate intervention . Classically, it is true for adult reconstruction of childhood abuse and trauma which is widely studied. The research shows that these sort of memories are often distorted and self created, with no relevance to reality.
Answers to these questions are complex and incomplete. As an anxiety disorder, PTSD has its foundations in fear and "emotional memory." Like factual memory, emotional memory also involves the storage and recall of events and details; this has been termed the explicit or conscious memory (2). Emotional memory, though, has a second, distinct component. This facet, t...
In the field of cognitive neuroscience a memory study usually involves a combination of behavioral tasks and a machine that permits t...
Repressed memory is the involuntary block on a memory considered to be extremely stressful and appalling in nature. It is theorized that repressed memory is a form of amnesia that is not associated with typical forgetfulness in a person. When a person experiences something extremely severe in nature, such as childhood sexual abuse for example, their mind sometimes refuses to remember that event because it is so painful to recall. In some cases events of extreme trauma, often during adulthood such as post-traumatic stress, can actually cause a reverse effect and an increase in memorability. Some even believe that it is possible to repress memories voluntarily. It has been a topic that has eluded many psychologists today and has been thoroughly researched for the past century. This paper will explore different theories and ideas on whether or not repression is true or just another pseudo-science.
An alternative view to this debate, are from practicing therapist who argue that most recovered memories are true, and that there is still some evidence to support the concept of repressed memories (Briere & Conte, 1993). They claim that traumatic memories such as sexual abuse tend to be different from ordinary memories because they are encoded in a way that prevents them from being accessible in everyday life. In addition, they argue that certain procedures during therapy are necessary in order to bring the repressed memories back into conscious awareness, and this is deemed necessary in order to help the patient recover. Despite these claims, there is little evidence to support the validity of reported cases of recovered memories, and most of the theories are mainly based on speculation rather than scientific evidence. However, there have been some cases in which a recovered memory did corresponded to an actual event that occurred. For example, an article by Freyd (1999), reported a case in which a man called Frank Fitzpatrick recovered memories of sexual abuse from childhood. Although this
In the summary it is noted that “memory access was bias towards (a) mood-congruent, (b) recent and (c) distinctive (unusual) events” (Berntsen, 1996). Earlier I had looked into detail on the moods and distinctiveness of my memories. After looking closer, I noted that ten of the twelve memories had taken place in the last five years, with the other two happening six and ten years ago. The same literature discusses how involuntary memories can be used as a defense mechanism, and that “may help cover up disturbing, perceptual aspects of the current surroundings” (Berntsen, 1996). This would make a lot of sense when examining my negative memory, because it seems to be used as a warning for me to think of something else or look at something else. In a different piece of literature, repeated memories of traumatic events are discussed. I would consider my negative memory to be a traumatic event, since it made me physically sick. It also comes to mind involuntary often, when I see or think of something that could relate or look like it. This could be that it is way of “working through and coming to terms with the trauma” for me (Berntsen, 2008). Yet another piece of literature lines up with my experience, and it comes from a 1998 publication by Dorthe Berntsen. It is written that, “the results suggest that
There have been several experiments done to try to prove that false memories can indeed be formed. One experiment, for example, was tried with a 14-year-old boy. The boy was told four memories, one of which was falsely constructed but similar to that of a true memory. The memories that were suggested took place when the boy was about 10 years younger. As the false memory was retold to him, he was asked to explain in detail what he had remembered from that event. Surprisingly, he claimed to remember the event, even though it was falsely created by the interviewer and his brother, and went on to explain what he remember to have happened, details and all. After collecting everything he had said about the four memories, he was told that one of the suggested memories was made-up and he was asked to guess which one it may have been. When he couldn’t decide which one it was, he was told that it was in fact the memory of getting lost in a store. He was confused and had trouble believing the truth.
Kowalski, M.(1998, December). Applying the "two schools of thought" doctrine to the repressed memory controversy. The Journal of Legal Medicine. Retrieved September 14, 2000 from Lexis-Nexis database (Academic Universe) on the World Wide Web: http://www.lexis-nexis.com/universe
Bartlett’s “War of the Ghosts” experiment (1932) is a classic example of false memories. The results of his study found participants would unintentionally alter the information of a story they read in a way that was more reflective of their own lives. Otagaar, et.al. (2013) examined false memories by developing non-believed memories in adults and children about taking a ride in a hot air balloon. The results of this study found that when the participants were asked immediately after reading a passage about this memory, most did not recall going on a hot air balloon. However, when the participants were called back a few months later, a higher percentage of participants recalled having experienc...
Elizabeth Loftus, an expert on human memory and psychologist, conducted the famous “Lost in the mall” experiment. By the end of the experiment about 25% of the participants not only "remembered" the implanted memory of being lost in the mall but also filled in the missing details (Loftus and Pickrell). It is still natural to wonder whether one could go even further and implant a memory of abuse. Ethically of course, it would not be permissible, but it has anecdotally been recorded, such as in the dramatic case of Paul Ingram of Olympia, Washington (Loftus 1993). Implantation of False Memory (Crime).
When this blocked memory is brought up in conversation days, weeks, even years later, the person remembers the event. Perhaps, this sin of the brain can be blamed for the Mandela Effect as when individuals are informed, they immediately associate their newly discovered, previously blocked memories with the Mandela Effect in