Suggestibility and False Memory Formation in Psychopathology

Suggestive interviewing techniques can dramatically alter what people recollect, sometimes with substantial ramifications (Wade et al., 2010; Nash & Wade, 2009). Whereas no-one, as far as science has shown, is immune to suggestive techniques and memory distortions, certain cognitive abilities and personality characteristics make some people especially prone (Patihis et al., 2013). Clinical and subclinical symptoms of psychopathology, particularly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression, could predispose people to suggestion-induced memory distortions, yet research examining the link between psychopathology and suggestibility is scarce. This gap in the cognitive psychology literature is surprising given that people with PTSD or depression are often required to accurately and repeatedly recollect emotional, personal experiences within clinical contexts (e.g., when seeking treatment) or legal contexts (e.g., when testifying as witnesses, victims, asylum-seekers). The current project will explore the relationship between PTSD, depression and trauma exposure, and suggestion-induced memory distortions.
The proposed research will proceed in three strands. Strand 1 will determine whether prevailing models of false memory development can explain memory errors in psychopathology. A series of experiments will test theoretical predictions made by these models. Strand 2 will explore the role of metamemory in the development of false memories in people experiencing symptoms of psychopathology. For example, we will examine whether memory distrust influences the formation of suggestion-induced false memories in psychopathology and, if so, how this distrust affects individuals' expressions of confidence in their memories. Strand 3 will investigate practitioners' beliefs about memory reports elicited from individuals with psychopathology. To successfully translate the findings from Strands 1 and 2 to policy and practice, it is crucial to understand how legal and clinical professionals elicit and evaluate memory reports from individuals with psychopathology.
The cognitive processes underlying false memory development are complex. The proposed research aims to substantially advance theoretical understanding of false memory formation in clinical contexts. Moreover, it will highlight how practitioners could design retrieval contexts that promote accurate remembering, and thus provide an empirical base for enhancing policy and practice. Given memory evidence is relied on heavily in clinical and legal contexts, it is essential to understand in what circumstances memory is most vulnerable, and to create conditions that minimise errors. To do this we need a better mechanistic understanding of how the symptoms of psychopathology interact with the processes that drive false memory production.