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false memory syndrome
psychology
Also known as: memory distortion, pseudomemory, recovered memory
- Also called:
- recovered memory, pseudomemory, and memory distortion
- Related Topics:
- memory disorder
false memory syndrome, the experience, usually in the context of adult psychotherapy, of seeming to remember events that never actually occurred. These pseudomemories are often quite vivid and emotionally charged, especially those representing acts of abuse or violence committed against the subject during childhood. It is not entirely clear how pseudomemories come about, but certain therapeutic practices are considered likely to reinforce and encourage their creation. For example, some therapists use hypnosis or techniques of “guided imagery” on clients who appear to be suffering from the suppression of memories of emotionally disturbing events, often experienced during childhood. Encouraged to visualize ...(100 of 262 words)