False and Recovered Memories of Trauma: Psychological Mechanisms and Experimental Insights

This webinar features two expert presentations on the science of memory distortions in the context of trauma. Each presentation will be followed by an opportunity for audience interaction, allowing for questions and discussion with the speakers.

Presenter 1: Prof. dr. Henry Otgaar (Maastricht University)
Title: The Science Behind Repressed and Recovered Memories of Trauma

Abstract: The topic of repressed and recovered memories of trauma belongs to one of the most controversial areas in psychology. In this talk, Prof. dr. Otgaar will present an overview and latest findings on the topic of repressed and recovered memories. Prof. dr. Otgaar will show how repressed memory is sometimes confused with normal ways to cope with trauma such as not thinking about trauma. Furthermore, Prof. dr. Otgaar will demonstrate that therapists believing in repressed memory might suggest to their clients that they harbor unconscious traumatic memories which could lead to false memories. Such false memories can lead to false accusations and even wrongful convictions. Finally, Prof. dr. Otgaar will showcase new research on recovered memories showing how they can be experimentally elicited and how certain types of recovered memories might refer to authentic experiences.

Presenter 2: Prof. dr. Ciara Greene (University College Dublin)
Title: Experimental Implantation of False Memories

Abstract: In this presentation, Prof. dr. Greene will describe experimental paradigms in which false memories of events that never happened can be implanted in the human mind. This includes memories of personal autobiographical experiences – such as getting lost in a shopping centre or undergoing a medical procedure – as well as memories of social or political events, implanted via “fake news” stories. Moreover, Prof. dr. Greene will discuss the factors that make an individual more or less likely to form a false memory for a given event, and will consider the real-world impact of these memories.