What is the term for memory loss that cannot be explained as the result of physical injury?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Final! Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The correct term for memory loss that cannot be explained by physical injury is dissociative amnesia. This condition is characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, usually related to a traumatic or stressful event, and does not have a physical cause like brain injury or illness.

Dissociative amnesia is considered a psychological defense mechanism where the mind "blocks out" memories to protect the individual from emotional distress. This differentiates it from other disorders where memory loss or symptoms might be linked to identifiable physical causes or issues.

In contrast, dissociative identity disorder involves the presence of two or more distinct personality states and focuses on identity fragmentation rather than just memory loss. Conversion disorder, on the other hand, involves neurological symptoms without physical causation, but these symptoms do not specifically pertain to memory. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by an intense focus on physical symptoms that leads to significant distress but does not primarily involve memory loss. Therefore, dissociative amnesia is the most accurate term for unexplained memory loss.