Can Children Develop False Memories?
Yes. Recovered memories generally are considered to occur in adults who recover hidden memories of abuse after a delay of many years, or even decades. However, it is possible to develop false pseudo-memories with less periods of delay, particularly if the individual has been influenced by the effects of suggestion or contaminating information. Children are far more suggestible and hypnotisable than adults due to the nature of their stage of cognitive development. Consequently, there has been research which demonstrates the ease with which it is possible to induce false pseudo-memories for events stated to have occurred even in the recent past. This is particularly the case when inappropriate techniques and coercive interviewing are employed. In cases involving children concepts of repression or dissociation are rarely invoked, and commonly involve issues of child welfare, custody disputes, divorce, or the role of carers (including teachers). None-the-less, there are cases where claims
