What if you went to the police and accused your uncle of abuse? Misunderstandings concerning the benefits of memory distortion: A commentary on Fernández (2015)

Abstract

In a recent paper, Fernández (2015) argues that memory distortion can have beneficial outcomes. Although we agree with this, we find his reasoning and examples flawed to such degree that they will lead to misunderstandings rather than clarification in the field of memory (distortion). In his paper, Fernández uses the terms belief and memory incorrectly, creating a conceptual blur. Also, Fernández tries to make the case that under certain circumstances, false memories of abuse are beneficial. We argue against this idea as the reasoning behind this claim is based on controversial assumptions such as repression. Although it is true that memory distortions can be beneficial, the examples sketched by Fernández are not in line with recent documentation in this area.

Introduction

In a recent paper, Fernández (2015) claims that under certain circumstances, distorted memories might be beneficial. Although we generally agree with the view that memory distortions can have positive consequences, we argue that the reasoning and examples used in Fernández’s paper are not in line with recent documentation concerning the functions of memory and its illusions. In our view, the incorrect reasoning in his paper might contribute to misunderstandings in the field of memory (distortion), misunderstandings that might affect theory and practice altogether.

In this commentary, we articulate several points of contention concerning Fernández’s (2015) speculations about the positive aspects of memory distortion. Specifically, we will first elaborate on the ambiguous and loose use of concepts (i.e., belief and memory) in his paper. Second, we will explain that his fictional example of fabricated memories of abuse being sometimes beneficial rests on flawed assumptions. Third and finally, we argue that Fernández’s review of the benefits of memory distortion not only overlooked much of the literature in this area but also does not align well with recent evidence in this field.