False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 09 No 06 - 2000 novdec

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated November/December 2000, Volume 9, Number 6, provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing discourse surrounding false memory syndrome and recovered memory therapy. The newsletter addresses concerns from families, highlights scientific research, and reports on legal developments related to these issues.

Letters from Readers and Editorial Stance

The newsletter opens with a letter from a reader expressing gratitude for the FMSF's support in their father's recovery from false recovered memories, emphasizing the importance of understanding and education in family reunification. The editorial section acknowledges the continued practice of recovered memory therapy despite its controversial nature and the availability of scientific information. It contrasts the high level of scientific understanding of false memories with the jargon used in some legal contexts, such as the Florida Supreme Court.

The editor notes that while the FMS problem continues to decrease, society's understanding of how false memories occur is increasing. The foundation's work is framed as an ongoing effort to educate the public and professions about the constructive nature of memory. The newsletter also references a list of articles and tools previously featured, underscoring the foundation's commitment to providing resources.

Research and Clinical Insights

Several articles and summaries of research are presented:

• "Understanding Persons Who Repudiate Memories Recovered in Therapy" by J. de Rivera discusses three possible explanations for repudiating recovered memories: mind control, self-narrative, and role-enactment. A study indicated that the mind-control model was most endorsed.
• "Cognitive Processing of Trauma Cues in Adults Reporting Repressed, Recovered, or Continuous Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse" by R. McNally et al. investigated whether individuals with repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) show greater interference on a Stroop task. The study found that while women who believed they had repressed memories of abuse scored higher, they did not exhibit greater interference, suggesting their attributions might be an "effort after meaning" to explain unhappiness.
• "DOES OUR PAST DECIDE OUR FUTURE?" by J. Paris, commented on by Allen Feld, argues that children are resilient and that horrific experiences do not automatically lead to severe adult psychopathology. Paris challenges the notion of a direct cause-and-effect relationship between childhood abuse and adult psychopathology, suggesting associations (like alcohol consumption and lung cancer) are not causal.
• "Adult Personality and Early Experience" by Jerome Kagan, discussed by Allen Feld, questions the persistence of "infant determinism" and the belief that early experiences permanently etch changes in an infant's brain. Kagan emphasizes the capacity for change and the influence of social class, suggesting that while early years may set a direction, life paths intersect with many others.
• "Are Trauma Victims Susceptible to 'False Memories'?" by L. Zoellner et al. investigated whether individuals with PTSD have source monitoring deficits that make them more likely to have distorted or false memories. The study found that traumatized people, with or without PTSD, had more false recalls, but cautioned against overgeneralizing these laboratory findings to real-world traumatic memories.

Legal Corner and Case Updates

The "Legal Corner" section details several significant legal cases:

• Hearndon v Graham (Florida Supreme Court): Held that memory loss caused by childhood sexual abuse trauma should be an exception to the statute of limitations, allowing victims to sue years after discovering the wrongdoing.
• Washington Supreme Court Decision: Upheld a decision holding law-enforcement agencies financially liable for negligent child abuse investigations, reinstating a $30 million civil lawsuit.
• Oliver v State of Texas: Ruled that an expert witness cannot testify whether a person's recitation of events is a product of fantasy or manipulation, as this concerns credibility, but can testify about common traits of child sexual abuse syndrome.
• Miller v Marlow (Oklahoma): A wrongful death action against therapist K. Renee Marlow, alleging that her therapy led patient Starla Miller to develop MPD and commit suicide after suggesting childhood abuse.
• Updates on Amirault, Wenatchee cases, and Doris Green: These updates provide brief summaries of ongoing legal proceedings, including a pardon hearing, lawsuits against authorities for negligent investigations, and claims for wrongful imprisonment.
• Pennsylvania Psychiatrist's License Suspended: Psychiatrist Byron Braid had his license suspended for endangering patients and alleged sexual abuse under the guise of therapy, linked to orgonomy and "power therapies."

Special Features and Book Reviews

• "False-Memory Creation in Children and Adults: Theory, Research, and Implications" edited by David F. Bjorklund is reviewed. The book is the outcome of a conference on memory research and addresses the social impact of research in this field.
• "Sexual Abuse Hysteria" by Robyn Dawes, a chapter from an upcoming book, critically examines the concept of a "child sexual abuse epidemic," arguing that the evidence does not support claims of an explosion in substantiated cases and that the preconditions for an epidemic are not met. It also discusses the irrationality of making accusations based solely on "expert testimony."
• "Everyday Irrationality" by Robyn Dawes continues its serialization, focusing on how pseudo-scientists and others fail to think rationally, particularly in the context of child sexual abuse accusations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a critical view of recovered memory therapy and the concept of a "child sexual abuse epidemic" when not supported by rigorous scientific evidence. It advocates for a nuanced understanding of memory, emphasizing its constructive nature and the potential for individuals to overcome traumatic experiences. The FMSF positions itself as a resource for education and support for families affected by these issues, encouraging critical thinking and a scientific approach to understanding memory and trauma. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories and highlights the potential for harm caused by suggestive therapies and unsubstantiated accusations. The foundation emphasizes the importance of scientific research and legal accountability in addressing these complex issues.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 6
Date: November/December 2000
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
Language: English

Main Articles

Treat with Skepticism

This lead article critically examines the phenomenon of false memories, particularly in the context of child sexual abuse accusations. It argues that the judicial system and mental health professionals, often well-intentioned but fallible, can contribute to the creation of "memories" that are not real. The article references several books that explore this issue:

• Making Monsters: False Memories, Psychotherapy, and Sexual Hysteria by Richard Ofshe, which discusses the persuasive power of peer-group involvement and how "symptoms" exhibited by children can lead to their placement in "support groups" or "group therapy" with other abused children.
• Victims of Memory: Incest Accusations and Shattered Lives by Mark Pendergrast, which dedicates a chapter to the careful examination of accusations made by children.
• Jeopardy in the Courtroom: A Scientific Analysis of Children's Testimony by Stephen Ceci and Maggie Bruck, which highlights research demonstrating that individuals of all ages can come to believe they have experienced events they merely imagined. Ceci and Bruck conclude that external verification is the only way to prove the validity of a "memory," and that any claim of possessing a "Pinocchio Test" to determine truth should be met with skepticism.

The article stresses that assuming the truth of memories simply because the judicial system or "experts" are involved is a profound error with devastating consequences. It notes that the phenomenon of false memories of child sexual abuse is evolving and becoming more virulent.

Making of an Illness: My Experience With Multiple Personality Disorder

This personal account by Gail Macdonald details her experience with "multiple personality disorder" (MPD) after the Ontario Government sponsored training for therapists in recognizing and treating it. A social worker, who was previously her therapist before undergoing MPD training, began to diagnose most of his clients with MPD soon after his training. Macdonald suggests that this training may have led to an "indoctrination" that influenced the therapist's diagnosis and treatment approach.

We Never Gave Up

This is a personal narrative from a mother and father who recount their experience with their daughter's false accusations, which began when she entered a drug rehabilitation center. The center's philosophy suggested that all drug problems were caused by "dysfunctional" families, requiring individuals to disassociate from family relationships. A psychologist at the center convinced their daughter that she had been molested by her husband, leading to threats of police involvement if they tried to contact her. The parents describe their struggle to cope and their decision to maintain unconditional love and an open invitation for their daughter to return. They describe their efforts to communicate over several years, including sending letters and family event invitations, which were initially discarded. Eventually, their daughter moved away and, after a strained relationship, agreed to therapy. The parents insisted on being included in the therapy sessions. Ten months later, their daughter, facing an unplanned pregnancy, called them for help, leading to a reconciliation. The parents attribute the reconciliation to their "unconditional love" and the advice of her new psychologist. They express gratitude to the FMS Foundation for its support.

Book Reviews and Resources

The newsletter includes several reviews and listings of books and websites related to false memories and psychological controversies:

• Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of "Repressed Memory" and Childhood Trauma by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D. (Upton Books) - Described as an indispensable guide to understanding research claims about recovered memories.
• The Accusation by Charles Patrinellis - A story about a family's destruction due to a therapist implanting false memories in a teen-age girl.
• Recovered Memories of Child Sexual Abuse: Psychological, Social and Legal Perspectives on a Contemporary Mental Health Controversy edited by Sheila Taub, J.D. (Charles C. Thomas) - Contains articles on memory, clinical treatment, and social context, with chapters on the "History of the FMS Foundation" and its legal history.
• Smiling through Tears by Pamela Freyd and Eleanor Goldstein (Upton Books) - A collection of cartoons exploring the psychological and social elements that have nurtured the recovered memory movement.

It also lists legal websites of interest (findlaw.com, legalengine.com, accused.com) and general websites like StopBadTherapy.com, IllinoisFMS.org, and various international false memory associations.

Estate Planning

Information is provided on how to include the FMSF in estate planning, with contact details for Charles Caviness.

Bulletin Board

This section lists contacts and meeting information for FMSF chapters across the United States and internationally, along with a deadline for submitting meeting notices.

Membership Information

Details are provided for yearly FMSF membership, including rates for professionals and families, and options for additional contributions. It also includes a form for membership application, requesting personal and payment information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical stance towards the concept of "recovered memories," particularly in cases of alleged child sexual abuse. The editorial stance is that such memories are often unreliable and can be influenced or created by therapeutic suggestion, leading to potentially devastating consequences for individuals and families. The newsletter advocates for critical evaluation of "expert" testimony in legal cases and emphasizes the importance of external verification for memory claims. It positions itself as a resource for those questioning the validity of recovered memories and provides a platform for personal accounts and research that supports this viewpoint. The organization also appears to be involved in legal advocacy and education related to these issues.