Sexual assault survivors may recall events differently over time
A psychologist found that the brain's immediate response to trauma can affect a survivor's ability to accurately recall the experience. The study suggests this does not indicate dishonesty.
It highlights the complexity of memory after trauma and the need for careful interpretation of survivor accounts.
Memory and trauma
The study notes that the brain's acute reaction to trauma can interfere with accurate memory formation and recall.
Study limitations
The research is based on a small sample and does not claim to be universally applicable to all survivors.
Common questions
Does this mean survivors are not telling the truth?
No, the study suggests that changes in memory do not indicate dishonesty but are a result of the brain's response to trauma.
What kind of study was this?
The research was conducted by a psychologist and is based on observations and interviews with survivors.
Sources
- Sexual assault survivors’ stories may shift over time – a psychologist explains why it doesn’t mean they’re lying By Michele Patterson Ford, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Dickinson College, The Conversation · theconversation.com
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