A cognitive corroborative case study approach for investigating discovered memories of sexual abuse

TitleA cognitive corroborative case study approach for investigating discovered memories of sexual abuse
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsSchooler J.W., Ambadadar Z., Bendikson M.
EditorRead J.D, Lindsay D.S
Book TitleRecollections of Trauma: Scientific Research and Clinical Practices
Pagination379-388
PublisherPlenum Press
CityNew York
Abstract

This chapter reviews the recent effort to examine, characterize, and corroborate actual cases in which recollections of allegedly forgotten sexual abuse have been reported. The authors’ approach draws on cognitive principles and uses as much methodological rigor as possible, but, it ultimately relies on the imperfect sources of data that cases afford. Four cases of discovered memories of childhood sexual abuse are presented. Ss were queried regarding the memory discovery experience, their perceptions regarding the prior extant of forgetting, the existence of any sources of corroboration for the event, and the existence of any sources of corroboration of the forgetting. Following the interviews, the authors’ attempted to contact other individuals who could corroborate the event and/or the extent of prior forgetting. One characteristic of the cases is the cues that elicited the discovered memories all had some significant correspondence to the original experience. The 2nd characteristic is the sudden unpacking and affective on-rush associated with the discovery experience. The 3rd quality of at least 2 of the cases is that they suggest one can forget about a period in which a memory had been remembered.

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