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A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Recovered Memory Experiences

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True and False Recovered Memories

Part of the book series: Nebraska Symposium on Motivation ((NSM,volume 58))

Abstract

If recovered memory experiences appear counter-intuitive, this is in part due to misconceptions about trauma and memory, and to a failure to adopt a comprehensive model of memory that distinguishes personal semantic memory, autobiographical event memory, and memory appraisal. Memory performance is generally superior when events, including traumas, are central to identity. Prolonged trauma in childhood, however, can produce severe identity disturbances that may interfere with the encoding and later retrieval of personal semantic and autobiographical event information. High levels of emotion either at encoding or recall can also interfere with the creation of coherent narrative memories. For example, high levels of shock and fear when memories are recovered unexpectedly may lead to the experience of vivid flashbacks. Memory appraisals may also influence the sense that an event has been forgotten for a long time. Recovered memories, although unusual, do not contradict what we know about how memory works.

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  1. University College London, England, UK

    Chris R. Brewin

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  1. Chris R. Brewin
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Correspondence to Chris R. Brewin .

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  1. , Dept of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Burnett Hall 223, Lincoln, 68588, Nebraska, USA

    Robert F. Belli

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Brewin, C.R. (2012). A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Recovered Memory Experiences. In: Belli, R. (eds) True and False Recovered Memories. Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, vol 58. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1195-6_5

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