False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 04 No 01 - 1995 jan

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated January 1, 1995, Volume 4, Number 1, addresses the complexities surrounding False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and recovered memory therapy (RMT). The newsletter features articles, legal case summaries, and professional guidelines related to memory, abuse, and psychological practice.

The FMS Problem and Memory Science

The lead article discusses the FMS problem as a social issue intertwined with memory science, stemming from a conference on memory and reality. It introduces a 2x2 table categorizing memories as true or false, and remembered or forgotten. The focus is on the 'False Alarm' cell, representing memories of events that did not happen, encompassing phenomena like alien abductions and past lives. Scientific evidence and psychoanalytic interpretations were presented to explain these 'false alarms.' The article also touches on the distinction between declarative and non-declarative memory systems and the lack of evidence for direct mapping between them. Larry Squire, Ph.D., is quoted stating that memory is prone to error, reconstruction, and change.

Recovered Memory Therapy (RMT) Critiqued

Several sections critically examine RMT. Linda Williams, Ph.D., presented evidence regarding 'forgotten' memories, but criticisms focused on conclusions about memory mechanisms rather than the existence of such people. The newsletter asserts there is no evidence that forgetting abuse is common, but ample evidence exists for 'false alarms' under suggestion or pressure. John Kihlstrom, Professor at Yale University, writes a letter to the APA Working Group on Memories of Childhood Abuse, expressing profound disappointment with their interim report. He argues that RMT lacks scientific foundation and that claims of repressed memories being spontaneously recovered are not supported by empirical research. Kihlstrom points out that arguments for RMT are based on anecdotal reports and theoretical generalizations, not scientific evidence. He emphasizes that scientific evidence contradicts the claim that traumatic memories can be repressed and recovered, and that implicit memory literature does not support RMT. He concludes that there is no good clinical evidence favoring RMT and that over 100 years of memory research raises serious questions about its practice.

Professional Guidelines and APA's Role

The newsletter includes the 'Guidelines Relating to The Reporting of Recovered Memories' from the Australian Psychological Society, approved October 1, 1994. These guidelines emphasize that memory is a constructive and reconstructive process, subject to alteration, deletion, and creation. They acknowledge that the broader social context affects the credence given to recovered memories, especially when independent corroboration is lacking. The guidelines also stress the importance of scientific issues, clinical issues, ethical issues, legal issues, and research issues in dealing with recovered memories. They advise psychologists to be aware of their own biases, to exercise care when dealing with allegations of abuse, and to recognize the difference between narrative truth and historical truth.

The newsletter also critiques the American Psychological Association's (APA) Interim Report from the Working Group on the Investigation of Memories of Childhood Abuse, describing it as adding confusion. It highlights the division within the APA between scientists and clinicians, questioning if APA will ignore scientific evidence. The interim conclusions of the APA report are presented, noting that while most abused children remember, forgotten memories can be recalled, and pseudomemories can be constructed, but the mechanisms are not well understood.

Legal Cases and Allegations

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to summaries of legal cases related to recovered memories and alleged abuse:

• Michigan Father Acquitted: Jim Bruxvoort was acquitted in an Allegan County trial after his daughter, Tami Reurink, accused him of repeated molestation based on 'lashbacks' experienced during therapy. The jury found the case weak due to lack of evidence beyond memories.
• Psychiatrist and Hospital Found Negligent: Dr. Judith Cohen and the University of Pittsburgh's Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic were found negligent, awarding over $272,000 to Nicole Althaus, who alleged improper diagnosis and treatment that encouraged belief in nonexistent events.
• Slander Suit: A Dallas County jury awarded $350,000 to LaVerme and Edward Khatain for slander by psychiatrist Dr. Wayne Jones, who allegedly presented allegations of abuse as fact, damaging the family relationship.
• Satanism Memories Lawsuit: A $50 million lawsuit was filed against Spring Shadows Glen Psychiatric Hospital and others, accusing them of conspiracy and fraud in convincing a patient, Mary Shanley, that her depression was due to repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse and involvement in a satanic cult.
• Holly Ramona Suit Dismissed: A lawsuit by Holly Ramona against her father for sexual abuse was dismissed, following a prior malpractice case where her therapists were successfully sued by her father.
• Center Accused of Planting False Memories: The Samaritan Counseling Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, faced complaints that its director may have used techniques contrary to recognized standards, potentially creating false memories in patients.
• Murder Charges Filed: Larry Stegman was charged with murder based on recovered memories of Connie Sievek, who claimed to remember her father and others murdering Hattie Barnes in 1967 when Sievek was three years old.
• Sex Abuse Charges Dropped: Prosecutors in New Jersey decided not to prosecute Margaret Kelly Michaels again after her conviction for sex abuse was overturned, citing issues with how children's interrogations may have planted suggestions.
• Hurricane Strikes Country Walk: The child-abuse case involving Frank Fuster is being re-examined as his wife recanted her testimony, attributing it to brainwashing by counselors.
• Family Sues Social Worker and Sheriff: A lawsuit was filed alleging civil rights violations in the arrest and detention of two boys based on a belief that their father would take them.

Rumors and Foundation Activities

The newsletter addresses rumors about the FMS Foundation, such as being a front for organized satanists or being funded by the Mafia. It clarifies that the Foundation does not lobby and is evaluating existing laws. It also debunks a rumor about producing a computer disk for suing therapists, stating no such project exists.

Other Sections

• Bridge-building: A meeting with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis is mentioned, focusing on clarifying the use of hypnosis for memory recovery.
• Office Changes: Frank Kane is appointed Director of Operations, Nick departs, and Valerie W. joins to manage communications systems. The office has acquired new equipment.
• Great News: A fundraising appeal highlights a generous donor matching contributions up to $100,000.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unreliability of recovered memories, the lack of scientific support for recovered memory therapy (RMT), the potential for iatrogenic harm from therapeutic practices, and the legal ramifications of memory-based accusations. The FMS Foundation's stance is critical of RMT and advocates for practices grounded in scientific evidence. The newsletter emphasizes the need for psychologists to be responsible, to acknowledge the limitations of memory, and to prioritize the welfare of clients while upholding scientific integrity. There is a clear editorial leaning towards skepticism regarding recovered memories and a strong advocacy for evidence-based psychological practice, often highlighting cases where accusations based on memory have led to legal disputes and personal turmoil.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated January 1995, focuses on the controversial topic of recovered memory therapy and its implications. The newsletter features news, a book review, and articles discussing the scientific, legal, and personal aspects of memory and its potential distortion.

Key Articles and Features

Australia Acquits Father in Recovered Memory Case

The newsletter reports on a landmark trial in Australia where a jury acquitted a 65-year-old father accused by his two daughters of 25 years of horrific sexual torture based on recovered memories. The daughters claimed ritualistic abuse involving various implements and gang rape. The defense argued that the daughters were 'ruined' regardless of the verdict. The article notes that the charges may be dropped.

Book Review: 'Return of the Furies: An Investigation into Recovered Memory Therapy'

Robyn M. Dawes reviews the book by Hollida Wakefield and Ralph Underwager, highly recommending it as a powerful indictment of recovered memory therapy. Dawes asserts that the therapy is not healing, not memory, and not science. The review quotes the authors stating that proponents rely on anecdotes and subjective feelings, misleading the public. The book is described as concluding that recovered memory therapy, as practiced, is unethical and constitutes malpractice. The review also highlights the authors' personal style, exemplified by an anecdote involving a young pastor confronting a father about abuse.

The review notes the book's careful scholarship and detailed presentation of both the research against recovered memory therapy and the arguments of its proponents. It estimates the prevalence of the problem, citing a survey of psychotherapists indicating that a significant number use suggestive techniques, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of clients.

However, the reviewer questions Chapter 11, 'When Memories Are Real,' for presenting the authors' own hypotheses without empirical verification, deeming it inconsistent with their critical stance. Despite this, the reviewer praises Chapter 12, focusing on the ethics of recovered memory therapy, as powerful.

Personal Responsibility and Individual Choice by Martin Seligman, Ph.D.

This article, reprinted with permission, explores how individuals explain bad events. Seligman introduces the concepts of permanent vs. temporary and global vs. specific explanatory styles. He argues that permanent and global explanations lead to helplessness, despair, and pessimism, while temporary and specific ones foster optimism and effort. Seligman critiques the 'victim theory' prevalent in the recovery movement, which attributes troubles to childhood trauma. He contends that this theory, while shifting blame, is self-fulfilling and produces more despair and passivity by invoking unchangeable causes. He emphasizes that believing one's troubles stem from childhood, race, or sex leaves less room for personal responsibility.

How the American Psychological Association turns a "belief" into "fact."

This section criticizes the APA for publishing a brochure on repressed and recovered memories that presents mechanisms as understood facts, despite the APA's own interim report stating they are 'not currently well understood.' It urges concerned individuals to request scientific evidence from the APA.

Interesting Conference Planned in Canada

An announcement for a conference in Thunder Bay, Ontario, titled "Making up for lost time: A community responds to satanic cults, child sexual assault & masonic ritual torture." The article notes that previous reports (FBI, LaFontaine, Goodman) found no evidence for satanic cults and mentions speakers like Dr. Connie Kristiansen and Dr. Stephen Kent.

Roundtables Prove Popular with Conference Attendees

This section highlights the success of roundtables at a Memory and Reality: Reconciliation conference, noting the diverse topics and positive feedback from participants, including professionals, family members, and retractors.

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (PAIMI)

This section discusses efforts to alert professionals and government agencies about the recovered memory issue. It introduces the PAIMI Act as a potential avenue for advocacy on behalf of individuals with mental illness, outlining the rights guaranteed under the Act. It requests information from readers about how PAIMI systems are working in each state to address the FMS crisis.

New Advisory Board Members

Frederick C. Crews, Ph.D., and Henry C. Ellis, Ph.D., are welcomed as new members to the Scientific and Professional Advisory Board. Crews has written on Freudian theories, and Ellis is a cognitive psychologist specializing in emotion and memory.

Video and Audio Tape Orders

An advertisement lists available video and audio tapes from the 'Memory and Reality: Reconciliation' conference held in Baltimore, MD, covering scientific, clinical, legal, and educational issues related to memory and false memory syndrome. Contact information for Aaron Video is provided for ordering.

FMSF Membership Information and Contact

Details on yearly FMSF membership, including rates for professionals and families, are provided. Contact information for the FMS Foundation office in Philadelphia is listed, along with an invitation to join an e-mail list.

What IF?

This section poses hypothetical scenarios about the potential consequences if the FMS Foundation ceased to exist, emphasizing the importance of its support and work.

Meetings and Events

A comprehensive list of FMSF meetings across the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom is provided, with contact information for organizers. The deadline for the next newsletter issue is also announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical and scientific approach to memory and psychological claims, particularly concerning recovered memory therapy. The editorial stance is clearly against the unverified claims and practices associated with recovered memory therapy, viewing it as potentially harmful, unethical, and lacking scientific validity. The newsletter promotes personal responsibility over victimhood and encourages evidence-based understanding of psychological phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on providing information, fostering support networks, and advocating for systemic changes to address the perceived harms of recovered memory therapy.