Do your eyes protect your memory? From memory myths to the false memory potential of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Therapies such as EMDR or imagery rescripting (ImR) are two popular and effective interventions for dealing with trauma. Both EMDR and ImR rely heavily on changing the impact of autobiographical memories. In recent years, legal cases and clinical reports have shown that after therapy such as EMDR and ImR, patients "suddenly" report new memories of traumatic experiences. This could lead to patients erroneously claiming to have been, for example, sexually abused and make false accusations to the police based on their in therapy recovered memories. The major aim of the current project is to systematically address the memory effects of EMDR and ImR. Specifically, we want to test whether EMDR and ImR might catalyse false memory formation. We will examine this question by conducting field and experimental studies. Basically, in our field experiment, we will investigate EMDR and ImR practitioners' beliefs about the functioning of memory. In our experimental studies, we will use different paradigms that have frequently been employed to elicit false memories (i.e., associatively-related words lists and memory implantation) and memories of traumatic experiences (trauma film). Our project will advance theoretical knowledge in legal and clinical domains, but will also have applied relevance on how EMDR and ImR might boost false memories. The effects are perilous in the courtroom. When brought to the legal domain, false memories might contribute to wrongful convictions, while incomplete memories (i.e., omissions) might make it more difficult to identify a perpetrator.

Jaar van publicatie:2021

Toegankelijkheid:Open