Elicitation of “Childhood Memories” in Hypnosis-Like Settings is Associated with Complex Partial Epileptic-Like Signs for Women but Not for Men: Implications for the False Memory Syndrome
Perceptual and Motor Skills April 1, 1994 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1994.78.2.643 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | 20 male and 20 female undergraduate students |
| Duration | 20 minutes |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Reported experiences of old memories, dreams, emotions, or vestibular sensations did not differ significantly between men and women overall. Among those with more pre-experimental complex partial epileptic-like signs, women were more likely to report 'old memories' (r = 0.61) and men dream-like experiences (r = 0.49). The authors suggest this differential gender effect may be relevant to the etiology of False Memory Syndrome. |
Abstract
20 male and 20 female undergraduate students were exposed singly for 20 min. to an exotic setting (partial sensory deprivation and weak, bilateral transtemporal pulsed magnetic fields) that enhances relaxation and exotic experiences. The numerical incidence of subjective experiences described as old memories, dreams, emotions, or vestibular sensations did not differ significantly between the sexes; however, women who reported a greater prevalence of preexperimental complex partial epileptic-like signs were more likely to report experiences of "old memories" (r = 0.61) while men who exhibited these signs were more likely to report dream-like (r = 0.49) experiences. Because complex partial epileptic-like signs are positively associated with suggestibility, the potential contribution of this differential gender effect to the etiology of the False Memory Syndrome requires further investigation.