Schacter (
2001) proposes that there are seven memory malfunctions that occur in everyday life and that affect individuals’ ability to recall
occurrences in their lives. Given that these sins affect other areas of memory, it is likely that they may affect the ratings
that informants provide when they are recalling characteristics of the emotional and behavioral functioning of children and
adolescents. This manuscript explores evidence to support this supposition by reviewing relevant studies that fit the description
of Schacter’s (
2001) seven sins (i.e., transience, absent-mindedness, blocking, misattribution, suggestibility, bias, and persistence). Generally,
this manuscript suggests that mental health professionals should be aware of the influence that these seven sins of memory
may have on ratings that informants provided regarding the functioning of children and adolescents.
Keywords Memory - Child functioning - Informant ratings