Memory Wars: A Solution to the Conflict

  1. Antonio Manzanero
  2. Claudia Morales-Valiente
Journal:
Papeles del psicólogo

ISSN: 0214-7823,  1886-1415

Year of publication: 2024

Issue Title: Unidades de análisis y diseño del comportamiento en organizaciones supranacionales

Volume: 45

Issue: 1

Pages: 34-38

Type: Article

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More publications in: Papeles del psicólogo

Abstract

The validity of dissociative memory in forensic contexts and the causes of the so-called “memory wars” are discussed. Misconceptions between clinical and forensic psychology, a deficient definition of amnesia, and the difficulties inherent in studying traumatic memories contribute to the persistence of this controversy. Particularly in the field of forensic psychology, the debate could be attributed to the lack of consensus on scientific evidence. Psychologists need to establish an empirical foundation to understand better the mechanisms of memory involved in remembering and forgetting traumatic memories. The Continuous Accessibility Model of Memory is outlined to explain the retrieval of the different degrees of accessibility to autobiographical memories based on different factors.

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