Neuroanatomical Correlates Of The Effects Of Stress On Memory: Relevance To The Validity Of Memories Of Childhood Abuse

Abstract

Abstract The recent controversy surrounding the validity of memories of childhood abuse has centered on the question of whether memories of abuse can remain dormant for many years before they come to the surface in the form of delayed recall. Authors on one side of the controversy suggest that memories of abuse can be not available to conscious recall secondary to a mechanism described clinically as amnesia or “repression.” The other side of the controversy claims that psychotherapists practicing a form of psychotherapy known as recovered memory therapy have suggested episodes of abuse to their patients which never in fact occurred, through leading questions or excessive insisting.