Describe the issues with hypnotic regression.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Hypnotic regression is a controversial technique because it can have many harmful effects on the subjects experiencing the regression. First, the memories recovered through the regression can be unreliable. Memory can be affected by suggestions or leading questions from the hypnotist or other witnesses. These “recovered” memories might be entirely fabricated, but the person who recovered them would believe in them completely. This is why memories recovered through regression are generally not admissible in court. Another issue is that the experience can be traumatic for the subject of the regression, especially if trying to uncover memories of trauma or abuse. The subject must essentially relive the pain that they experienced when recalling these memories, and that is why regression is usually a treatment of last resort.