getting, including repression, dissociation, and childhood amnesia (Lindsay & Read, 1994).Some clinical psychologists believe that children can learn to block memories as a survival mechanism: if physical escape from their tormentor is not possible, psychological escape may become crucial. When children can’t avoid abuse and know it is going to be repeated, some cope by tuning out- mentally dissociating themselves from the abuse while it is occurring- or by repressing the memory afterward (Kandel, 1994)However, there are many problems with such concepts. Such explanations of forgetting tend to be descriptive of the fact that traumatic events may be forgotten rather than explanatory of the way in which this occurs. Understanding of memory mechanisms generally tends to be theoretical and the mechanisms that underpin observable memory phenomena are arguably mere constructions, accounting for what is observed rather than a factual account of what is know about the way in which memory operates (Farrants, 1998). Other proponents of ‘repressed memory syndrome’ have explored the biological aspects of memory in searching for answers. Bruce Perry, a professor of child psychiatry, says that the way memories are laid down can differ as different brain regions are activated. When an individuals mental state moves along a continuum from calm to vigilance, memory is best. As the mental state moves further on to alarm, fear, and finally terror, brain regions associated with cognition all but shut off. “The way information is stored is a function of what part of the brain is on, and the way it get recalled is also a function of what part of the brain is on, ”says Perry.Memory formation is also influenced by the biochemistry of the stress response. The chronic severe stress that occurs with long-term abuse seems particular able to impair activity in the hippocampal region thought to be critical in learning and memory (Sapo...
