Final answer:
Engrams are considered in Scientology to be hypothetical changes in the mind due to trauma and are claimed to be the source of physical and emotional issues. Scientologists use a process called 'auditing' to rid individuals of these engrams by locating and confronting them. However, the existence and eradication of engrams are not supported by mainstream medical or psychological science.
Step-by-step explanation:
Engrams are a concept in Dianetics and Scientology that refer to a theoretical change in the state of the mind, which is said to occur in response to traumatic events.
According to the beliefs of Scientology, engrams are painful and disabling; they are considered to be the root cause of various emotional and physical problems. Scientologists claim that engrams can be triggered later in life, causing irrational behavior and physical ailments.
Scientologists believe that engrams can be addressed and 'cleared' through a process called 'auditing'. Auditing involves a series of one-on-one sessions with an auditor, where an individual, referred to as a 'preclear', recounts events in their life and examines their memories. Through this process, practitioners aim to locate and confront those engrams, to 'erase' or 'de-stimulate' them. The ultimate goal is to become 'Clear', a state free of the supposed harmful effects of engrams. Scientologists use various devices like the E-meter, a type of lie detector, to measure the emotional 'charge' associated with these engrams, and believe that once the charge is gone, the engram will no longer have effect.
It's important to note that the concept of engrams is not recognized by mainstream psychology or medical science. Critics argue that there is no empirical evidence to support the existence of engrams or the efficacy of auditing.