Abstract
Confabulation is when missing memories are unwittingly filled in with distorted or fabricated information. This has been shown to lead to incorrect information in legal cases involving suspects, witnesses, or victims of crime. This study is the first to experimentally explore confabulation in adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Fifty-two participants aged 11-16 years (27 FASD; 25 controls) completed the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale immediately, after 50 min, and after 1 week. Scores from the Behavior Rating of Executive Function-2 scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were used as predictor variables in a multiple regression model to predict confabulation and its components: distortion and fabrication. Upon immediate recall, there was no difference in confabulation between individuals with FASD (M score 0.96 +/- SD 1.13) and controls (1.06 +/- 1.43; z = -0.01, p > 0.05). After a 50-min delay, the FASD group had significantly higher total confabulation scores (1.37 +/- 2.71 vs. 1.28 +/- 1.67; z = -3.65; p < 0.01), and at 1 week, they fabricated significantly more stories (1.65 +/- 2.21 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.66, z = -3.55, p < 0.01). The FASD population had lower IQ, higher impulsivity, and poorer memory recall. In those with FASD, memory was a significant predictor of confabulation at all three time points (immediate, beta = 0.74, p = .02; 50 min beta = -0.82, p < .001; 1 week beta = -0.63, p = 0.01), while at 50 min only, higher impulsivity (beta = 0.37, p = 0.03) and poorer executive function (beta = -0.39, p = 0.02) were linked to confabulation. FASD is a common condition, particularly so in criminal justice settings. Professionals working within the criminal justice system and forensic mental health settings should screen for FASD in suspects, victims, or witnesses of crime. While not all individuals with FASD are vulnerable to confabulation, there should be corroboration of any testimony provided by individuals who have, or are suspected to have, FASD. This is because confabulation may increase the risk of false confession and/or miscarriage of justice for individuals with FASD.