An Empirical Examination of Confabulation in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Gilbert, David Junior; Allely, Clare; Mukherjee, Raja; Gudjonsson, Gisli; Brown, Jerrod; McGinn, Valerie; Cook, Penny

Abstract

Introduction
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).

Methods
Fifty-two participants aged 11-16 years (27 FASD; 25 controls) completed the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS 2) immediately, after 50 minutes, and after one
week. The Behaviour Rating of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF-2) scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) were used as predictor variables in a multiple regression model to predict confabulation and its components, distortion and fabrication.

Results
Upon immediate recall, there was no difference in confabulation between individuals with FASD (mean score 0.96±SD1.13) and controls (1.06±1.43; z=-0.01, P>0.05). After 50 minutes 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 timepoints (immediate, β=0.74, p=0.02; 50min β=-0.82, P<.001, 1 week β=-0.63, P=0.01).

Conclusion
FASD is a common condition, especially in criminal justice settings. While not all individuals with FASD may confabulate, there should be corroboration of testimony provided by individuals who have/suspected to have FASD. This is because confabulation may lead to false confessions and/or miscarriage of justice.

• Journal Article Type: Data Article / Data Paper
• Acceptance Date: May 27, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 29, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neuropsychology
• Print ISSN: 2199-2681
• Electronic ISSN: 2199-2673
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/jpn0000016
• Additional Information: ©American Psychological Association, 2025. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. The final article is available, upon publication, at: 10.1037/jpn0000016