False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 01 No 04 - 1992 may

Magazine Overview

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: May 1, 1992
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter focuses on the complex and often divisive issue of "recovered memories" of child abuse, exploring its impact on families and the psychological and diagnostic landscape surrounding it.

Families Divided: The Core Issue

The newsletter opens with an address to "Dear Friends," announcing the opening of a new office and the scheduling of volunteers. It highlights the frustration of those who feel judged "guilty by therapists who have never met us," and who refuse to consider evidence such as lie detector tests or doctor's reports. A quote from Brenda Wade, Ph.D., a licensed San Francisco family therapist, on identifying sexual abuse victims within minutes based on their "body language" and "trust issues" is presented. The author contrasts this with the Salem Witch Trials, suggesting a modern, perhaps less tangible, method of "diagnosis" where the accused need not even be present.

The main cover story, "FAMILIES DIVIDED," delves into patterns emerging from surveys. It notes that most accusing children are female, with high educational levels and median incomes, and that families often spend significant time in family activities. However, geographic location can influence patterns, with an increase in families from Utah potentially increasing the percentage of Mormon families. The foundation acknowledges that their survey is not necessarily representative, as some families found it too painful to complete. A particularly "saddest pattern" observed is that false memories may be more damaging to the individuals experiencing them than to those accused. The survey results indicate that while the majority of children do not have or believe in recovered memories, the accused are still often considered "guilty" by the world.

Responses about Therapeutic Techniques

This section examines the therapy section of the survey, revealing that approximately one-third of families have little to no information about the therapy or the therapist involved. About 70% of therapists are female, and most are in their 30s. Crucially, 95% of families are sure that the allegations arose during therapy. Preliminary figures from 113 surveys indicate the use of various techniques, with "Courage to Heal," "Other books," "Hypnosis," and "Survivors' groups" being the most frequently reported. Other mentioned techniques include dream interpretation, rape counseling, women's centers, eating disorder clinics, Adult Children of Alcoholics programs, AA or other drug programs, and more unconventional methods like "Satanism expert," "Prayer therapy," "Primal scream therapy," "Sodium amytal," "Psychodrama," "Meditation," "Trance writing," "Regression therapy," "Neuro-linguistic programming," "Yoga," "Fasting," "Massage therapy," "Astrology," "Channeling," "Crystals," and "Reflexology."

Age of First Alleged Incident and Memory Repression

Data on the age of first alleged incident shows a range of ages, with "Unknown" (28), "Infancy" (14), "Age 2" (16), and "Age 3" (15) being the most common. The number of years memories were "repressed" ranged from 8 to 51, with a median of 25 years.

Geographic Distribution of Families

A breakdown of where 309 families live shows a wide distribution across the USA, with significant numbers in Pennsylvania (96), Ohio (25), Utah (23), New Jersey (18), and California (19). Canada also has a reported presence.

Important Research Abstracts

This section reviews several research papers related to child abuse and its effects:

• A Review of the Long Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse (Beitchman et al., 1992): This review suggests that while child sexual abuse is a significant problem with long-term sequelae, the specific effects are still being clarified. It notes that adult women with a history of childhood sexual abuse may exhibit sexual disturbance, homosexual experiences, depression, and are more likely to be revictimized. Anxiety, fear, and suicidal ideas are also associated, particularly if force or threat of force was involved. The link to "postsexual abuse syndrome" and personality disorders is not yet confirmed. Male victims show disturbed adult sexual functioning. Abuse involving a father or stepfather, penetration, longer duration, and the use of force are associated with greater harm.
• Is Childhood Sexual Abuse a Risk Factor for Bulimia Nervosa? (Pope & Hudson, 1992): This review of scientific literature concludes that current evidence does not support the hypothesis that childhood sexual abuse is a risk factor for bulimia nervosa. Controlled and uncontrolled studies generally did not find higher prevalence rates of childhood sexual abuse among bulimic patients compared to control groups or the general population.
• Battered Children Grown Up: A Follow-Up Study of Individuals Severely Maltreated As Children (Martin & Elmer, 1992): This study of 19 individuals severely battered as young children found highly variable outcomes. Some developed limited autonomy, while others maintained functional social ties, jobs, and families. Resentment and suspiciousness were high, but overt aggression was not evident. The study concluded that early abusive trauma and adult functioning have no simple relationship.

Questions You Have Asked

• How can my child say these things that are not true? The newsletter posits that it is unlikely children are lying, but rather that they have somehow become convinced of the truth of their statements.
• Should I tell my child about the FMS Foundation? The foundation cannot give direct advice but notes that general advice from therapists is to maintain contact and express love, while not necessarily validating "recovered memories."
• What is "iatrogenic"? Defined as induced unintentionally by a physician or treatment, leading to disorders or symptoms.
• More on "pedophile": Clarifies that "pedophile" is a diagnostic term with a technical definition, often misused in the press as a synonym for "child abuse."

Meetings Scheduled

Announcements for upcoming FMS Foundation meetings are listed for Southern California, Philadelphia (two dates), and Florida, with contact information provided. Details for a Utah meeting are to follow.

Meeting Report

A report from the Midwest Area meeting on April 25, 1992, describes attendees sharing experiences of having abuse memories and realizing they were false, learning of accusations through network news, and discussing the similarities and differences between false memory phenomena and traditional cult patterns. Tapes of selected parts of the meeting are available for purchase.

Recommended Reading

"Hidden Memories" by Robert Baker is recommended.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently addresses the controversial topic of "recovered memories" of child abuse, often questioning their validity and highlighting the distress they cause to accused parents and families. The FMS Foundation positions itself as an organization seeking to disseminate accurate information and document the scope of the "false memory" problem. There is a clear skepticism towards certain therapeutic techniques and diagnostic approaches that are perceived as potentially leading to iatrogenic effects or unfairly labeling individuals. The editorial stance appears to be one of support for families who feel unjustly accused and a desire to challenge what they see as a prevailing societal assumption of guilt based on unsubstantiated claims.