FACTORS INFLUENCING RECALL OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE

Selective literatures providing perspective on recall of childhood sex ual abuse memories are reviewed. These include known patterns of autob iographical memories in adulthood, metacognitive mechanisms, interpers onal influences, and automatic cognitive processing which can influenc e judgments and reports of memory recall in children and adults. Some factors in adult experience such as mood state, presence of emotional disorders, past and current relationships and participation in psychot herapy which can influence autobiographical memory and recall of child hood events ave delineated. Available studies directly exploring recov ered memories of childhood abuse are considered in light of these stud ies. Finally, some applications to clinical work and suggestions for f uture research are outlined.