PSYCHOLOGY Concepts and Theories: May 2021

Friday, May 7, 2021

Recovered Memory

A recovered memory is an experience of remembering a traumatic event that could not be recalled previously. Until the recovery, the person may not have been aware that the remembered traumatic event occurred.

The existence of recovered memories is controversial. One challenge to the accuracy of the experience of recovered memory can be understanding the role of a psychotherapist in suggesting or evoking a remembrance during the course of therapy.

Recovered memories are sometimes called repressed memories.

False Memories and Psychology

A false memory is the recall of an event that did not happen. Such memories appear real to the person and the contents can be quite vivid.

A distorted memory may also be called a false memory. Distorted memories involve errors such as incorrect details, facts, events.

Researchers have documented this phenomenon by introducing false memories and later testing for recall of the implanted memories.

The problems of the accuracy of memory can be important in legal cases when the memory of an eyewitness is crucial.

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See also recovered memory

Loftus, E. F. (1993). The reality of repressed memories. American Psychologist, 48(5), 518–537. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.48.5.518

Loftus, E. F., & Ketcham, K. (1994). The myth of repressed memory: False memories and allegations of sexual abuse. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Loftus, E. F., & Pickrell, J. E. (1995). The formation of false memories. Psychiatric Annals, 25(12), 720–725. https://doi.org/10.3928/0048-5713-19951201-07

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Thursday, May 6, 2021

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often referred to as CBT is a form of psychotherapy used by many clinicians because it is supported by scientific evidence as an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use problems, marital and couple problems, and even severe mental disorders.

Researchers have focused on two immediate triggers as partially responsible for some mental health problems:

1. Distorted and erroneous thinking can lead to or worsen mental health problems.

2. Habits or learned patterns of behavior can lead to or worsen mental health problems.

CBT appears to be effective when clients learn new ways to think about and cope with their problems.

Some strategies clients learn may include:

How to calm and relax when feeling distressed
How to analyze life problems to cope more effectively
How to identify and combat dysfunctional thoughts
How to identify and change dysfunctional behavior patterns
How to use role playing to prepare for difficult situations

Resources

Aaron T. Beck was the leader in the development of CBT based on his research at the University of Pennsylvania. Early on, he focused on the negative thinking linked to depression. Read more at the beckinstitute.org

CBT has been adapted by Christian clinicians. For example, see Michelle Pearce's book on CBT for Christians with depression.

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