Question

In order to help resolve the controversy over reports of repressed memories of sexual abuse, the major psychological and psychiatric associations suggest that:

a) Individuals should undergo hypnosis to recover repressed memories.
b) Thoroughly investigate the credibility of recovered memories with corroborating evidence.
c) Disregard all repressed memories as unreliable.
d) Encourage individuals to suppress their traumatic memories.

Answer 1

The correct answer is to thoroughly investigate the credibility of recovered memories with corroborating evidence to account for the complexity and potential fallibility of memory recall.

Step-by-step explanation:

To help resolve the controversy over reports of repressed memories of sexual abuse, the major psychological and psychiatric associations suggest that it is important to thoroughly investigate the credibility of recovered memories with corroborating evidence. This approach reflects a concern that memories, and particularly those recovered through certain therapeutic techniques, might be influenced by suggestion and could potentially be inaccurate.

Researchers have indicated that memory is complex and can be inadvertently altered, leading to false recollections, which is why the reliability of repressed memories and their recovery through techniques like hypnosis is still widely debated. Therapists and psychologists should approach such cases with caution, considering other sources of information to validate reported memories of abuse.