What do people really think of when they claim to believe in repressed memory? Methodological middle ground and applied issues

Bibliographic Data

ID21602443
AuthorsOlivier Dodier (0000-0001-8855-6860, Université de Nantes, corresponding author), Anne-Laure Gilet (0009-0003-0150-9116, Université de Nantes), Fabienne Colombel (0000-0001-7643-9616, Université de Nantes)
Year2022
Volume30
Issue6
Pages744-752
Publication date2022-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMemory (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0965-8211 • E-ISSN: 1464-0686
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09658211.2020.1868524
PMID33491558
OpenAlexW3125364208
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited29

305) using an integrative method taking into account recent methodological discussions, we found that, in total, 2458 participants (71% of the two combined samples) reported that they believed in repressed memory. In Study 1, based on separate questions on the whole group, we found 71% of agreement with the concept of repression, 74% with the concept of unconscious repression, and 54% with the concept of deliberate memory suppression. Participants with no memory of childhood abuse endorsed unconscious and deliberate mechanisms less than those with such memories. In Study 2, the order in which the items were presented was not associated with the beliefs in the different statements. Overall, our results show that people see repression as an unconscious mechanism. We suggest the use of within-subject designs and/or follow-up questions to determine how people understand the concept of repression. Such adherence to this controversial concept can have adverse implications in the clinical and legal arenas

Psychoanalysis · Psychological repression · Unconscious mind · Deception detection and forensic psychology · Memory Processes and Influences · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology · Social Psychology

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