TRAUMATIC MEMORIES - EMPIRICAL FOUNDATIONS, FORENSIC AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This article reviews empirical research on memories for negative perso nal experiences among adults. It examines basic concepts (including ne ural underpinnings), theoretical models of the affect-memory relations hip, and data from three sources: victims or witnesses to crimes and a trocities, ''flashbulb memories'' for traumatic events, and laboratory simulations of shocking experiences. Evidence suggests that memories for traumatic experiences contain more central than peripheral detail, are reasonably accurate and well-retained for very long periods, but are not completely indelible. Assertions of eyewitness memory's vulner ability to change through suggestion have overstated the evidence. For ensic and clinical implications are discussed and a plea issued for mo re study of the memory phenomena that characterize posttraumatic stres s disorder (PTSD) and are the focus of trauma survivors' treatment.