Knapp, S. J., & VandeCreek, L. (1997). Scientific basis of memory. In S. J. Knapp & L. VandeCreek, Treating patients with memories of abuse: Legal risk management (pp. 31-46). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/10524-003
Provides a brief review of the scientific basis of memory, especially as it relates to the loss of recovery of past memories of abuse. Psychologists who understand the current theories of memory acquisition and recovery will appreciate the complexity of the issues involved when it comes to the treatment of patients for whom past memories are a therapeutic issue. We believe that psychologists who understand the memory processes will be reluctant to promise patients that they have the ability to reconstruct historically accurate memories. Psychotherapists with this understanding will also be reluctant to use diagnostic or treatment techniques that are claimed to be able to uncover accurate memories but that lack an empirical or professional foundation. Psychologists who understand memory will recognize that memory retrieval practices can increase the likelihood that memories of past events will be distorted. The scientific knowledge about memory does suggest, however, that instances of spontaneous memory recovery should not be automatically discounted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)