The relationship between memory and identity has long been a subject of fascination for psychologists, (0) WHOSE research has shed light on the complex ways in which we construct our sense of self. It is now well established that memory is not so 1 a faithful recording of past events as a process of reconstruction, one that is heavily influenced by our current beliefs and emotions. This has significant implications for the reliability of eyewitness testimony, upon 2 the criminal justice system has traditionally placed great weight. Studies have demonstrated that individuals can be led to believe they experienced events that 3 never actually happened, a phenomenon known as false memory. What makes this particularly troubling is the ease 4 which such memories can be implanted, even in otherwise highly intelligent individuals. There is also growing evidence that traumatic experiences can disrupt the normal functioning of memory, making it difficult for 5 affected to recall events in a coherent and chronological order. Controversial 6 this area may be, some therapists argue that repressed memories of trauma can resurface years later, though the scientific basis for this claim has 7 to be conclusively established. What is beyond dispute is that our memories, 8 accurate they may or may not be, play a fundamental role in shaping who we are.