Validation of Repressed Memories and Recovered Memories

Memory

Is repression a valid and legitimate process in the sense that Freud portrayed it or, alternatively, as might be presented in a more modern explanation?

According to Freud we 'repress' aspects of our memory we find unpleasant by relegating them to what Freud called our subconscious, versus our conscious mind (Ciccarelli 2013: 180). Scientists today are more inclined to view repression in light of the faulty operations of long-term memory retrieval. As new memories are created in a subject's long-term memory, existing memories can become distorted or replaced (Ciccarelli 2013: 182). Also, every time a memory is retrieved it is slightly altered, as it is affected by the memories that have been subsequently formed. Memory can also become distorted by current misinformation. We may think we have remembered something but we are really affected by the prompting of others.

Thus, repression can be legitimate in the sense that not all memories are available to us intact. However, imperfect memory recall may not necessarily be due to emotional factors, although very intense emotional experiences may seem easier to recall. We are not necessarily recalling what occurred in the past, as much as we are recalling through the lens of the present day.

Q2. Are recovered memories possible by hypnosis or another therapeutic technique?

No. So-called recovered memories are not considered to be reliably retrieved through hypnosis. Hypnosis can put the client in a highly suggestible state, causing him or her to recall things that never happened, but which come to 'feel' true. False memories even look very similar to actual, real memories in the brain (Ciccarelli 2013: 183).

Certain subjects may also be more susceptible than others to forming false memories. One study found that children were more likely to form false memories about plausible vs. implausible events. However, other subjects with a preexisting tendency to hold odd beliefs and ideas were said to be equally likely to form false memories about alien abductions and implausible events as false memories about more plausible and mundane things (Ciccarelli 2013: 183-184).

Q3. Please provide at least one study that supports your position in at least one of the above questions.