Abstract
The article provides an overview of the theoretical foundations that allow a reasonable approach to assessing the reliability and accuracy of memories of traumatic events, in particular, abuse experienced in childhood. Solving the problem of accuracy and reliability of memories of abuse experienced in childhood requires simultaneous taking into account both the patterns of functioning of autobiographical memory and the peculiarities of the formation of individual traumatic memory. The most plastic components of autobiographical memory are the temporal localization of specific memories and the plot sequence of individual events within an entire episode. Autobiographical recollections of characters within a certain personally significant situation in the past are little subject to change. Victims of repeated violent acts may not remember the details of each specific episode, but they form a kind of ‘scheme’ or ‘script’ that includes characteristic elements of what happened to them. Such a ‘script’ has a high degree of accuracy and is subject to little change over time. The study of the basis for assessing the accuracy and reliability of memories of traumatic events is relevant for various areas of science and practice: from statistical estimates of the prevalence of violence against children and adolescents to law enforcement practice in situations of violent acts against children.
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