Skip to Main Content
7
Views
1
CrossRef citations
Altmetric

Article

Self-Sealing Doctrines, the Misuse of Power, and Recovered Memory

Pages 40-45
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
Translator disclaimer

The self-sealing doctrine, a defensive maneuver used to protect cherished beliefs from disconfirmation, is discussed. Most evident in doctrinaire religious groups, the self-sealing doctrine may also appear among scholars and practitioners, and it can be discerned on both sides of the heated debate over recovered memory. The author advocates critical thinking and a willingness to test rather than protect cherished beliefs.

Additional information

Author information

Linda Riebel

Linda Riebel, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist practicing in Berkeley and San Francisco. She is also on the adjunct faculty of Saybrook Institute and on the staff of the Bay Area Depression and Anxiety Treatment Center.