- While the Satanic Panic popularized repressed memory theory in modern psychology, the roots of the theory can be traced back to Sigmund Freud
- Freud founded psychotherapy on the idea that traumatic (usually sexually based) experiences in childhood formed the basis of most psychological issues seen in adults

The origins of repressed memory theory

Though there are a few anecdotal and case study examples of repressed memories being brought to light by therapists using methods like hypnosis and guided imagery, there is no empirical, experimental research to support repression

Research and validation of repressed memory theory

- Continuous memories are more likely to be remembered
- While people can remember things they haven't thought of in a long time, this is not the same as a method of repression
- Research shows people are more likely to remember a traumatic event than a non-traumatic one

Repressed memory theory and counter-observances

Proponents of repressed memory theory argue that individuals may unconsciously block memories of extremely traumatic childhood events as a coping mechanism to live a functional life. According to this view, these repressed memories can remain inaccessible for many years but can be accurately and fully recovered later through therapeutic methods such as hypnosis and guided imagery.

Argument for the Existence of Repressed Memories

While not denying the occurrence of childhood sexual abuse, researcher Elizabeth Loftus questions the accuracy of recovered memories. She is skeptical of the therapeutic processes used to access these memories, such as hypnosis and guided visualization, arguing that even subtle suggestions from a therapist can introduce false information, leading to a misinformation effect.

Loftus's Challenge to Repressed Memory Theory

The memories retrieved through hypnosis are in large majority traumatic in nature but the science does not support the notion that traumatic memories are repressed by the brain

Washington State University at Tri-Cities

This myth suggests that memories of traumatic events can be repressed and that hypnosis is a valuable psychological tool for retrieving those memories

Pop Psychology Myth: Hypnosis is useful for retrieving repressed memories

Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., Ruscio, J., & Beyerstein, B. L. (2009). 50 great myths of popular psychology : Shattering widespread misconceptions about human behavior.

50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology

Repressed memories are traumatic memories that were supposedly more likely to be forgotten, like those of sexual abuse or witnessing a horrifically violent act

What are repressed memories?

Hypnosis is a dubious psychological tool where a therapist puts a patient into a hypnotic trance and then asks then questions in order to determine root causes of psychological issues.

What is hypnosis?

- In the late 80s and early 90s, therapists using hypnosis began "recovering" memories from adults who were "remembering" witnessing or being victims of terrible crimes in their childhoods
- This was the advent of Repressed Memory Therapy which purported to bring up lost memories of traumatic events and was used to attempt prosecution against the perpetrators of the traumatic events

How are hypnosis and repressed memories linked?

The myth that repressed memories can be retrieved by hypnosis is still prevalent in college students, academics, laypeople, pop culture, and even mental health practitioners 

Prevalence of repressed memory myth

The accuracy of memories retrieved under hypnosis is variable under normal circumstances

Accuracy of repressed memories retrieved under hypnosis

Can traumatic memories be repressed?

There are other hypotheses that attempt to explain the possible outcomes of using hypnosis to retrieve repressed memories

Learn Before

Related

Learn After