A Critical Review of Recovered Memories in Psychotherapy: Part I—Trauma and Memory

Abstract

Objective: The theoretical basis of the use of recovered memories in psychotherapy will be critically examined. Method: Literature will be reviewed on the nature of normal memory, and on the relationship of trauma to memory. Results: Normal memories are surprisingly inaccurate. There is little evidence that normal memories can be repressed. There is no evidence that trauma makes repression more likely. Conclusions: “Recovery” of repressed memories is not consistent with the findings of empirical research.