Induction of false beliefs and false memories in laboratory studies—A systematic review

Beate Muschalla; Fabian Schönborn

doi:10.1002/cpp.2567

journal article Open Access Feb 20, 2021

Induction of false beliefs and false memories in laboratory studies—A systematic review

Beate Muschalla

Fabian Schönborn

Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy Vol. 28 No. 5 pp. 1194-1209 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/cpp.2567

Abstract

AbstractPsychological interventions often use guided discovery and other techniques for diagnostic exploration and intervention planning. This way, memories may arise in the person, which may be true or false. False memories of earlier events can be harmful and result in real suffering, similar to actual traumatic memories. Based on cognitive psychological and psycho‐traumatological findings, there is pronounced dissent in the academic disciplines regarding the conceptualization, relevance and research of false memories. This review contributes to the basic question of how often false beliefs and false memories may be induced within the frame of different interactional techniques. A systematic review has been conducted of 59 articles from (quasi‐)experimental studies and two qualitative sources from 30 data bases. Three main methods of memory induction provide the basis for reporting: imagination inflation, false feedback, and memory implantation. Due to the conceptual and methodological diversity of the studies, the results appear to be heterogeneous. Free and guided imagery, as well as suggestive statements, could induce false beliefs or false memories in, on average, 20%–50% of the participants who underwent experimental manipulation concerning false past events. A false belief induction may occur after dream interpretation or hypnosis in more than 50% of participants. Personalized suggestion is more effective in inducing memory than the general plausibility of the suggested events. Further research questions are which therapeutic actions seem appropriate in cases of harmful false memories. This depends not only on whether there are veridical elements in the false memory but also on the quality and meaning of the memory for the person's life and ability to cope with burdens.

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Details

Published: Feb 20, 2021
Vol/Issue: 28(5)
Pages: 1194-1209
License: View

Authors

B

Beate Muschalla

Institute of Psychology Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig Germany

F

Fabian Schönborn

Institute of Psychology Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig Germany

Cite This Article

Beate Muschalla, Fabian Schönborn (2021). Induction of false beliefs and false memories in laboratory studies—A systematic review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(5), 1194-1209. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2567

Induction of false beliefs and false memories in laboratory studies—A systematic review

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