This chapter delves into the debunked theory of repressed memories and the satanic panic of the '80s and '90s, examining its impact on society, families, and therapists. It highlights how false memories of childhood Satanic abuse were planted through media, books, and therapy techniques, leading to wrongful convictions and trauma. The chapter also discusses the fallout from the hysteria, wrongful convictions, and controversies surrounding therapists who use repressed memory techniques.
Misconceptions about memory are abundant, so Jessica Wynn is here to let us know which ones we're better off forgetting on this latest Skeptical Sunday!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:
- Our memories are more complex than just being videos that we can simply file away and retrieve at will.
- There are three main processes that characterize how memory works: encoding, storage, and recall.
- Forgetting is a feature, not a bug.
- Some memories are more easily recalled than others, and our memories can be manipulated by a variety of factors.
- While hotly debated, the concept of "repressed memories" doesn't seem to have the science to back it.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Jessica Wynn.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1004
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