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Beliefs in repressed memory and dissociative amnesia from a cross-cultural lens

Authors :
Otgaar, Henry
Zhang, Yikang
Li, Chunlin
Wang, Jianqin
Otgaar, Henry
Zhang, Yikang
Li, Chunlin
Wang, Jianqin
Source :
Journal of Criminal Psychology (2023) date: 2023-09-12
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine beliefs in repressed memory and dissociative amnesia from a cross-cultural perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Chinese (n = 123) and Belgian student participants (n = 270) received several statements tapping into various dimensions of repressed memory and dissociative amnesia. Participants provided belief ratings for each of these statements. Because the field of psychoanalysis is less well developed in China, it was expected that Chinese participants would believe less in repressed memory and dissociative amnesia than their Belgian counterparts. Findings: Overall, beliefs in repressed memory and dissociative amnesia were high among all participants. Although confirmatory analyses revealed that most belief ratings concerning statements did not statistically significantly differ between the two samples, Chinese participants did statistically believe less that therapy can recover lost traumatic memories than Belgian participants. Also, exploratory analyses showed that Chinese participants were more critical towards the idea that traumatic memories can be unconsciously repressed and that these memories can be accurately retrieved in therapy than Belgian participants. Many participants also confused repressed memory with plausible memory mechanisms such as ordinary forgetting. Originality/value: The current study extends previous surveys on repressed memory and dissociative amnesia by comparing their beliefs in different cultures.

Details

Database :
OAIster
Journal :
Journal of Criminal Psychology (2023) date: 2023-09-12
Notes :
DOI: 10.1108/JCP-06-2023-0037, English
Publication Type :
Electronic Resource
Accession number :
edsoai.on1430697664
Document Type :
Electronic Resource