When an individual with schizophrenia has co-witnessed a crime: Exploring memory conformity for crime event in schizophrenia

Abstract

When multiple witnesses discuss a crime, they can influence each other’s memory of the event. This phenomenon is known as the ‘co-witness effect.’ Empirical evidence indicates that factors such as an individual’s cognitive capacities, memory confidence, personality traits, and interpersonal dynamics with a co-witness may moderate the co-witness effect. However, there is a dearth of research on whether psychosis increases vulnerability to co-witness influences. Given the cognitive impairments and susceptibility to memory distortions often associated with psychosis, it is crucial to determine whether individuals with psychosis are likely to succumb to misinformation given by their co-witnesses. Using the Manipulation of Overlapping Rivalrous Images (MORI) technique, we assessed co-witness memory conformity in schizophrenia. Results show individuals with schizophrenia are no more susceptible to co-witness misinformation than those without psychiatric illness.