What is the term for filling in memory gaps within an individual's recollection?

The term for filling in memory gaps within an individual's recollection is confabulation. This psychological phenomenon occurs when a person creates false memories or fills in missing information without the intention to deceive. Instead, the individual believes the information they are providing is true, even though it may be distorted or entirely fabricated. Confabulation is often associated with memory disorders or cognitive impairments, where the brain attempts to make sense of incomplete or fragmented memories by constructing plausible narratives.

The process serves as a coping mechanism, helping individuals maintain coherence in their personal narrative even when factual accuracy is compromised. This can occur in various contexts, including neurocognitive disorders such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or in individuals with certain types of brain injury.

The other terms mentioned do not align with the act of filling in memory gaps. Repudiation typically relates to rejecting or disavowing a statement or belief. Regression refers to a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to earlier stages of development in response to stress. Compensation involves counteracting perceived deficiencies by emphasizing strengths in other areas. Each of these concepts plays a distinct role in psychological theory but does not specifically pertain to the phenomenon of memory filling as described.