Certified Case Manager Practice Test

What type of events does a child’s memory often become scripted around concerning chronic abuse?

1. Significant life events

2. Single events, personally significant

3. Imaginary scenarios

4. Everyday activities

The correct answer is: Single events, personally significant

The right answer focuses on the nature of a child's memory in the context of chronic abuse. When children experience chronic abuse, their memory often becomes centered around single events that are personally significant to them, especially if these events are traumatic. Such events leave a deep impact and are more likely to be remembered vividly due to their emotional weight, shaping the child's recollection in a way that might manifest as "scripts" or narratives. These scripts help the child make sense of their experiences, often leading to a pattern of recollection that emphasizes the single traumatic experiences rather than a broader context of everyday life or significant milestones. In the context of the other options, significant life events can indeed be memorable but may not have the same emotional immediacy or trauma attachment as single, personally significant events in cases of chronic abuse. Imaginary scenarios do not relate directly to the real experiences of abuse and would not be reflected in how memory works in these situations. Everyday activities, while they may be part of a child's life, are often overshadowed or distorted by the impact of chronic abuse, meaning they are less likely to form the memory framework in such cases. Therefore, the focus on single, personally significant events aligns closely with the psychological responses observed in children who have endured chronic