An examination of children’s memory for instances and the effects of mental context reinstatement

Complainants of repeated child sexual abuse (CSA) are often directed to recall a time that was different, the first time, and/or the last time. Mental context reinstatement (MCR) may also be used to facilitate recall of discrete acts. The present research examined the effects of these techniques on children’s recall of instances of a repeated event. Younger (kindergarten/Grade 1; n = 172) and older (Grades 3/4; n = 176) children participated in five magic shows. All shows followed the same general script, with options of details that varied in each show. In the middle show, something surprising occurred (i.e., a deviation). After a one-week delay to the target instance, children were asked to recall one of the following instances: the first time, last time, or a time that was different or surprising. Some children also received MCR. Children recalled the first instance most accurately and recalled the last instance more accurately than the time that was different or surprising. MCR had a negative effect on children’s recall of the first instance such that MCR increased the number of details children reported from non-target instances. A broad definition of accuracy that included all experienced details showed that MCR increased the number of experienced details younger children reported across instances. It appears that MCR may serve to activate children’s memory for the script. Implications to children’s memory for instances of a repeated event and charging repeated CSA as a continuous offense are discussed.