False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 10 No 06 - 2001 novdec

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated November/December 2001, Volume 10, Number 6, addresses various facets of the false memory phenomenon, including legal developments, therapeutic approaches, and personal accounts. The newsletter aims to provide information and support to families affected by issues related to recovered memories and accusations of abuse.

Key Articles and Features

Families of Refusers vs. Retractors/Returners

The lead article highlights trends observed in a survey of FMSF families, distinguishing between families of 'refusers' (those who do not believe the accusations) and 'retractors/returners' (those who have retracted or returned to believing the accuser). Families of retractors and returners were more likely to report unanimous reconciliation desires, the presence of a mediator, and were less likely to have pursued legal actions against the accused. Conversely, families of refusers more frequently reported no contact with the accuser, support for the accuser from other family members, and a higher incidence of accusations becoming public. The article also notes that families of retractors and returners were more often confronted in therapy sessions compared to families of refusers, a trend that seems counterintuitive but may relate to communication levels. The average age of accusers at the time of accusation was 32, while retractors and returners were younger. A significant portion of accusers claimed memories from before age four, the period of childhood amnesia, which the authors suggest is evidence of the 'fantastical nature of the FMS phenomenon.' The period between 1988 and 1998 is identified as the 'Decade of False Memories' due to the peak in recovered memory discussions.

Legal Developments and Cases

South Carolina Law: A new law in South Carolina extends the time for adults to file lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse, allowing charges to be brought up to three years after discovery or until age 27. This aligns with a previous Supreme Court decision that allowed repressed memory to be used as a link in a lawsuit, provided 'independently verifiable, objective evidence' is presented.

Massachusetts Case (Commonwealth vs. Frangipane): The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts granted a new trial in a rape case, questioning the testimony of a social worker who discussed trauma and memory. The court emphasized that evidence on the neurology of memory storage should come from a medical doctor, not a psychotherapist, and noted the disagreement among mental-health specialists regarding recovered memories.

Indiana Case (Throneberry vs. Shults-Lewis): A lawsuit against a child and family services facility for alleged abuse in the 1960s ended in a mistrial. The case hinged on whether repressed memories were legally reliable, with the defense arguing that 'repressed memory' is not a science-based concept but a legal argument to override statutes of limitations.

Rebirthing Trials: Brita St. Clair and Jack McDaniel, who assisted in the rebirthing session that led to the death of 10-year-old Candace Newmaker, received 10 years probation and 1000 hours of community service. Jeane Newmaker, the mother, pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death and received a four-year suspended sentence.

Ontario Doctor Loses License: Dr. Raymond Danny Leibl had his medical license revoked for misdiagnosing a patient with multiple personality disorder and implanting false memories of sexual abuse, including 'reparenting' techniques.

Massachusetts Doctor Loses License: Dr. William A. Kadish had his license repealed for 'gross misconduct,' including a sexual relationship with a client and creating multiple personalities for her.

Therapeutic Approaches and Memory

Guided Imagery and Memory: An article reviews research on guided imagery, noting its potential to help patients anchor therapeutic moments but also the risk of increasing confusion between imagery and actual events. Therapists are advised to be sensitive to memory distortion risks.

Changing Beliefs About Implausible Autobiographical Events: This research suggests that people can be led to believe they experienced events that did not happen, and that exposure to articles describing implausible phenomena can increase belief in their plausibility and the likelihood of having experienced them.

Repressed Memory Accusations: Elizabeth Loftus discusses a British survey of families with disputed 'recovered memory' accusations, comparing them to U.S. studies and noting methodological weaknesses in retrospective studies. She highlights a study of crime victims where patients appeared to worsen rather than improve.

Lower Precombat Intelligence and PTSD: Research suggests that lower precombat intelligence may increase the risk of developing PTSD symptoms, rather than PTSD lowering performance on intelligence tests.

Catharsis, Aggression, and Persuasive Influence: This study challenges the catharsis hypothesis, finding that venting anger through physical aggression does not decrease anger but rather increases hostility.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): An in-depth article by Loren Pankratz, Ph.D., examines the history and diagnosis of PTSD. It discusses the potential for factitious PTSD, critiques the methodology of studies like the National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study, and questions the emphasis on external stressors as the sole cause of PTSD, suggesting pre-existing personality factors are also significant. The article recommends further attention to the conceptualization of PTSD.

Propositions for Professionals (Allen Feld)

Allen Feld offers eight propositions for therapists, emphasizing:

1. Wary of certainty: Be cautious when you think you have the right answer.
2. Balance reading: Challenge your beliefs by reading material from opposing viewpoints.
3. Challenge your thinking: Actively question your own assumptions.
4. Don't cease probing: Continue to ask questions even when answers support your hypothesis.
5. Clear language: Describe therapeutic work in lay terms.
6. Everyday language: Use accessible language rather than jargon.
7. Patient's description: Ask patients to describe what is being worked on in therapy.
8. Joint periodic reviews: Evaluate progress informally and regularly.

From Our Readers

One Family's Journey: A poignant letter from a father describes the emotional impact of receiving a letter from his estranged son after 18 years of separation. The estrangement stemmed from false molestation allegations made by the son and daughter following their parents' divorce and the mother's involvement in recovered memory therapy. The father recounts the difficulty of responding and the eventual reconnection with his son, who is now divorced and facing his own challenges.

Editor's Comments

The editor comments on the Kadish case, highlighting the potential for creating false beliefs through unethical suggestion and the critical role of ethical therapists in preventing such harm. Another comment suggests further reading on a critical appraisal of PTSD.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently addresses the controversial nature of recovered memory therapy and its impact on families, legal systems, and individuals. There is a clear editorial stance critical of unsubstantiated recovered memories and the therapeutic practices that may facilitate them. The FMSF advocates for scientific rigor, ethical practice, and a balanced approach to memory and trauma. The recurring themes include the legal ramifications of memory claims, the psychological impact on families, the potential for misdiagnosis and iatrogenic harm, and the importance of critical evaluation of therapeutic claims. The foundation appears to support families seeking reconciliation and truth in the face of accusations, while also promoting a more evidence-based understanding of memory and trauma.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 6
Date: November/December 2001
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
ISSN: 1069-0484

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into the complex themes of reconciliation, exoneration, and the aftermath of false memory accusations within families. It features personal accounts, editorial comments, and information on related events and resources.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

The issue opens with a poignant personal narrative from "A Father" detailing his journey of reconnecting with his son after 18 years of estrangement. He describes the son's initial feelings of being out of place, the family's efforts to process past trauma and allegations, and the son's eventual realization that his mother, not his father or stepmother, was the source of his distress. The father expresses hope for future family bonding and the opportunity to meet his grandchildren.

Several other contributors share their experiences:

• "Another Dad" writes about the challenges of dealing with an estranged daughter who returned in 1995, a year before his wife passed away. He notes that his remarriage and his new wife's children have also been affected by the situation.
• "Editor's Comment" acknowledges the legitimacy of various family responses to the despair of losing a child and apologizes if the Foundation has shown less respect for certain viewpoints.
• "Suggestible but Still Responsible" discusses the family's harmonious relationship after the accusing daughter's estrangement, emphasizing that reconciliation requires repentance or retraction. The author reflects on the repressed-memory hysteria of the early 1990s and the shift in understanding, suggesting that both the therapist and the client bear responsibility in such cases.
• "Living With a Returner" describes a situation where an accusing daughter, a single parent, maintained contact due to her need for financial support. The family continued to provide support, primarily for the sake of the two children, who were being victimized by her actions. Despite ongoing stress, the family finds solace in bonding with their grandsons.
• "Life Without a Retraction" shares a brief note about the Foundation's help and the positive impact it had on the writer's late wife and himself.
• "A Treasured Card" recounts receiving a condolence card from an estranged daughter after 14 years of silence, a small gesture that the writer cherishes.
• "We Were Non-Judgmental" details a successful reunification where the daughter made false accusations while away from home. Upon her return, she disavowed memories of therapy and the associated group. The family accepted her without demanding retraction, leading to a positive outcome.

Retractors' Responsibility and Editorial Stance

An article titled "Retractors' Responsibility" addresses the recurring theme of offspring who "retract" their accusations and blame their therapists. The author argues that this narrative, while seductive and appealing to families, is not always accurate. Many retractors, the author posits, actively sought therapists who supported breaking with families and were motivated by anger. The author criticizes the tendency to blame therapists entirely, suggesting that accusers also bear responsibility for their choices and actions.

The "Editor's Comment" on page 12 clarifies the Foundation's position, stating that it has no official "policy" on how families should respond to estrangement and recognizes that each family's experience is unique. They apologize for any perceived lack of respect towards differing viewpoints.

Events and Resources

The newsletter includes information on upcoming events and resources:

• Annual Meeting of Ontario and Quebec Families, Friends and Professionals: Titled "RECONCILIATION AND EXONERATION: Where do we stand? What can be done?" scheduled for November 3, 2001, in Toronto.
• "Recovered Memories: Are They Reliable?" pamphlet: A free resource available from the FMS Foundation.
• Seminar: "From Rumor to Reason: Accusations of Child Sexual Abuse: Current Scientific, Legal, and Cultural Perspectives" at the University of Vermont on November 17, 2001.
• Book: "ELUSIVE INNOCENCE: Survival Guide For The Falsely Accused" by Dean Tong.
• Web Sites of Interest: A comprehensive list of websites related to memory, false accusations, and support groups.
• Legal Websites of Interest: Links to legal resources.

Membership and Subscription Information

The final pages provide details on FMSF membership, including subscription rates for the newsletter and additional contribution options. Contact information for the FMS Foundation's office in Philadelphia is also provided, along with an invitation to receive electronic versions of the newsletter via email.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the painful process of family estrangement and reconciliation, particularly in the context of false memory accusations and allegations of child sexual abuse. The FMS Foundation aims to provide a platform for sharing experiences, offering support, and fostering a nuanced understanding of these complex issues. The editorial stance appears to be one of acknowledging the validity of diverse family experiences while also encouraging critical examination of the narratives presented, particularly regarding the role of therapists and the responsibility of individuals making accusations. The Foundation advocates for a balanced approach that considers all parties involved and promotes healing and reunification where possible.