Running Head: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF REPRESSED MEMORIES

The Psychological Impact of Repressed Memories

Ashley Molnar
University of Nevada, Reno

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF REPRESSED MEMORIES

The Psychological Impact of Repressed Memories

There have been many studies conducted on the topic of repressed memories. From trial
complications to sexual and childhood abuse cases, it is quite a controversial topic. Repression is
seen as one of the most agonizing concepts in the field of psychology. It is defined as something
shocking takes place; the mind pushes it into an inaccessible corner of the unconscious. Then in
later days, months or even years, the memory may emerge into consciousness. In recent years,
there has been a spike in the use of repressed memories relating to such traumatic memories that
are now surfacing. With recent changes in legal matters, some people with recently exposed
memories are suing alleged perpetrators for events that took place many years ago. These
seemingly new advancements give rise to a multitude of questions: How common is it for
memories of child abuse to be repressed? How are jurors and judges likely to react to these
repressed memory claims in a legal setting? How authentic are the memories?
Beginning with the first question of childhood abuse repression, there are many outlets
that pertain to such subjects. When examining repressed memories from childhood experiences,
many individuals deal with the tough subject of abuse. To better understand repression, the
research of Greenhoot and Tsethlikai (2009) exclaims, There has been considerable public and
scientific controversy over the fate of memories of traumatic childhood experiences like sexual
abuse. Of particular concern are claims of amnesia for traumatic experiences and later recovery
of once-forgotten traumatic memories. The origins of this debate can be traced to a century ago
when Freud proposed that overwhelmingly traumatic memories can be "repressed" or pushed out
of conscious awareness, and that the "recovery" of repressed memories is critical to the
resolution of psychopathology. As they explain, Freud more-or-less began the widely discussed
idea of repressed memories. As we see childhood memories that have been repressed for many

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF REPRESSED MEMORIES

years, we have seen a change in the legality of their use in a trial setting. Relating back to the
second question purposed earlier, there are many issues that rely on the use of repressed
memories. The concepts of repressed memories are still accepted by many psychological
practitioners today and have influenced both clinical and legal practice. In the 1990s, a number
of states altered the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse so as to accommodate cases
involving recovered memories (Greenhoot & Tsethlikai, 2009). The impact of repressed
memories is taking a toll on the legal matter within trials. This implication allows for the idea of
repression to extend into a controversial topic that is questioned by its validity.
Extending further into the research, there are many sources that doubt the integrity and
validity of repression. Not only is the use of repressed memories questioned by lawyers within a
trial setting, psychological professionals have their own thoughts about the subject matter.
Psychiatrist Richard Kluft believes that repressed and recovered memories are real, and often
reflect real instances of trauma and abuse. Cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Loftus argues that
false memories can be created with surprising ease. As a result, many repressed and recovered
memories may not reflect real traumatic or abusive events (Kluft & Loftus, 2007). Many
professionals have their own side to each story, which makes it hard to come to a conclusion on
whether repression is a valid statement. Answering the question of authenticity, there are two
sides to the situation. On one hand, many believe that repressed memories are a true explanation
to what actually happened. On the other hand, a multitude of individuals are concerned with the
notion that repressed memories are susceptible to commentary. This means that over time ones
memory can be swayed to believe what it wants to believe. Follette and Davis (2009) conclude,
To this day, there remain strong and opposing convictions on how to understand recovered
memories. There are no good data on the prevalence of reported repressed memories and

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF REPRESSED MEMORIES

considerable controversy about whether they occur at a significant rate or even exist. This
seems to be a major subject of controversy in the realm of legal matters, especially when looking
at the reliability and validity of ones memories. Knowing that there is no sufficient data to back
up the use of repression, it makes it hard to rely solely on a persons individual account of an
event.
When looking closely at repressed memories, there are number of factors that play a role
in the use of repression. The majority of memories stem from traumatic experiences, usually
relating to childhood. This is widely seen in the use of repression in a trial setting. Though
repressive memories are widely known and highly discussed, there are strong opposing views
when examining the idea. The questions that stem from repression are valid in that fact that they
relate to the relevance of the subject. In all, the subject of repressed memories is one that is
controversial no matter the circumstances. It is not a matter of whether you are asking the right
questions; it is more along the lines of whether or not the validity and reliability of the questions
stand true.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF REPRESSED MEMORIES

References
Follette, W. C., & Davis, D. (2009). Clinical practice and the issue of repressed memories:
Avoiding an ice patch on the slippery slope. In W. O'Donohue, S. R. Graybar, W.
O'Donohue, S. R. Graybar (Eds.) , Handbook of contemporary psychotherapy: Toward
an improved understanding of effective psychotherapy (pp. 47-73). Thousand Oaks, CA
US: Sage Publications, Inc.
Greenhoot, A. F., & Tsethlikai, M. (2009). Repressed and recovered memories during childhood
and adolescence. In K. Kuehnle, M. Connell, K. Kuehnle, M. Connell (Eds.) , The
evaluation of child sexual abuse allegations: A comprehensive guide to assessment and
testimony (pp. 203-244). Hoboken, NJ US: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Kluft, R. P., & Loftus, E. F. (2007). Issue 8: Are Repressed Memories Real?. In J. A. Nier (Ed.) ,
Taking sides: Clashing views in social psychology (2nd ed.) (pp. 152-171). New York,
NY US: McGraw-Hill.