Date of Award
Spring 5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Deryn Strange
Second Reader
Charles Stone
Third Advisor
Kelly McWilliams
Abstract
Previous research has examined the association between memory and frequent and accumulated exposure to traumatic events with conflicting results (Artwohl, 2002; Conway, 2012; Honig & Sultan, 2004; Oulton et al., 2018; Strange & Takarangi, 2015). The present study aims to build on previous research by examining public perceptions of memory accuracy and secondary trauma in off-duty criminal justice professionals (CJP) and laypeople. Survey data from n = 208 participants was examined. Participants read two mock trial testimonies describing a fatal hit and run bicycle accident, one from an off-duty CJP witness and one from an off-duty non-CJP witness. Participants completed a series of questionnaires regarding witness memory, likelihood that each witness was experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), participants’ view of trauma, and participants’ trust in their own memory. They were then asked to choose which witness they believed should testify first in a criminal court case. Results suggested that participants viewed CJPs as significantly less likely to have distorted memories and less likely to experience PTSD symptoms compared to the non-CJP witnesses. CJP witnesses were found to be more credible than the non-CJP witness by 60% of participants. This study provides empirical evidence of the erroneous beliefs regarding people’s perceptions of trauma and memory. It seems that more education regarding how memory actually works is necessary both for CJPs and laypeople.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Kimberley D., "Perceptions of Secondary Trauma and Memory Accuracy in Criminal Justice Professionals" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/308