False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 14 No 02 - 2005 marapril

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated March/April 2005, Volume 14, Number 2, addresses several key topics related to memory, trauma, and accusations of abuse. The cover story highlights the Paul Shanley case, a defrocked Catholic priest convicted of sexual abuse based on recovered memories, and discusses the implications for the 'memory wars.' The newsletter also features articles on the controversial practice of Facilitated Communication, the Church of England's endorsement of 'The Courage to Heal,' and the psychological phenomena of sleep paralysis and dream interpretation.

The Paul Shanley Case

The lead article delves into the conviction of Paul Shanley, a priest accused of sexually abusing young boys. The case hinged on recovered memories, particularly those of Paul Busa, who claimed to have repressed memories of abuse by Shanley. The article notes that Busa and three other accusers received significant settlements from the Church in civil cases. However, the criminal case faced challenges, with prosecutors dropping some accusers and the defense questioning the reliability of recovered memories. Expert testimony from Dr. James Chu for the prosecution argued that repressed memories can surface due to repeated trauma, while defense expert Dr. Elizabeth Loftus emphasized the unreliability of recovered memories and the possibility of implantation. Jurors found Busa's emotional testimony persuasive, leading to Shanley's conviction. The article also touches upon Shanley's past as a 'street priest' who supported gay rights and worked with troubled youth, noting that accusations of abuse of young children only emerged in 2002.

Recovered Memories and Legal Implications

Several sections of the newsletter critically examine the concept and legal implications of recovered memories. The article on the Shanley case highlights the defense's argument that accusers might have fabricated claims for financial gain, while the prosecution emphasized the emotional sincerity of the testimony. The newsletter points out that the conviction of Shanley, based largely on recovered memories, is seen as a setback for efforts to question the validity of such evidence in court. Elizabeth Loftus is quoted expressing concern that the public perceives the Shanley case as corroborated repressed memory, which she argues is not the case and undermines progress in questioning these claims.

Facilitated Communication (FC)

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to 'Facilitated Communication,' a technique developed to help individuals with autism and cerebral palsy communicate. The article explains that FC, popularized by Douglas Biklen, purports to allow these individuals to write their thoughts with the aid of a facilitator. However, the newsletter strongly refutes its validity, citing experiments that show FC is a fraud, working only when the facilitator knows the answer. Alarmingly, the article reveals that FC has been used to generate false allegations of sexual abuse, with Biklen himself noting that a significant percentage of students in his program alleged sexual abuse. The article draws a parallel between FC and the repressed memory movement, suggesting that facilitators may unconsciously implant memories.

Satanism and Exorcism Course

The newsletter reports on a Vatican-recognized course on Satanism and exorcism being taught by the Legionaries of Christ at the Regina Apostolorum in Rome. The course aims to train priests to distinguish between genuine cases of demonic possession and mental health issues. This development coincides with an Italian court case involving a Satanic sect charged with ritual killings, highlighting concerns about the rise of Satanism, particularly among young people influenced by the internet.

The Courage to Heal and Church of England Endorsement

The issue criticizes the Church of England's policy statement endorsing the book 'The Courage to Heal.' The newsletter argues that this endorsement is misguided, as the book allegedly promotes 'pleasurable fantasies of murder and castration' and epitomizes the flawed thinking of the recovered memory movement. It quotes Sam Graceffo, who states that memories of the distant past, without supporting evidence, should be viewed as unreliable fabrications.

Psychological Phenomena and Memory

The newsletter explores several psychological phenomena related to memory and trauma:

• False Beliefs About Food: An article discusses research by Bernstein, Laney, Morris, and Loftus suggesting that false memories about food can lead to avoidance behavior.
• Severity of Trauma Affects Memory: Research indicates that individuals who designate child sexual abuse (CSA) as their most traumatic event and exhibit more PTSD symptoms are more accurate in recalling documented CSA cases. Maternal support also predicts higher accuracy.
• Sleep Paralysis: The phenomenon of sleep paralysis (hypnogogic or hypnopompic states) is described as a source of 'repressed memories,' where individuals experience vivid hallucinations and a feeling of paralysis, sometimes interpreted as traumatic events.
• Dream Work: The article discusses how dreams are interpreted, particularly in trauma therapy, where night visions are sometimes taken as literal recovered memories of sexual abuse, even when they seem fantastical. It references Allan Hobson's view that dreams are 'creative confabulations' rather than direct representations of reality.
• Role of Expectation: The concept of 'response expectancy theory' is explained, suggesting that what people expect to see or feel influences their perceptions and memories, drawing parallels to the Clever Hans story and the implantation of memories.

Other Cases and Information

• Maryland Principal Sues Accusers: Kevin M. Lindsey, a school principal, sued two sisters who accused him of sexual abuse based on recovered memories, after charges against him were dropped due to insufficient proof.
• Snapshot of Clergy Abuse Situation: This section provides statistics on the ongoing sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic clergy, including the number of new allegations, financial settlements paid by dioceses, and the challenges posed by the statute of limitations.
• Good Reasons and Bad Reasons for Believing: A quote from Richard Dawkins advises critical thinking about information, distinguishing between evidence-based knowledge and belief based on tradition or authority.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently adopts a critical stance towards the recovered memory movement, emphasizing the unreliability of repressed memories and the potential for false accusations and implanted memories. It advocates for scientific evidence and critical thinking when evaluating claims of past trauma. The recurring themes include the legal and psychological challenges posed by recovered memory claims, the importance of corroborating evidence, and the dangers of therapeutic techniques that may inadvertently create or reinforce false memories. The FMSF Newsletter positions itself as a source of information and a voice of caution against what it perceives as a flawed and potentially harmful therapeutic and legal trend.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, March/April 2005 issue, Vol. 14 No. 2, is a publication from the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, based in Philadelphia, PA. It serves as a platform for personal stories, support, and information related to the phenomenon of recovered memories and their impact on families.

Reader Contributions

A Happy New Life This section features a letter from a parent whose son and daughter have reconnected after years of estrangement. The daughter, who had become a licensed family therapist, initially communicated in 'psychobabble' but later spoke more normally. She expressed regret for the past and questioned why her parents had given up hope on her and her brother. The parent reflects on the difficulty of trusting their daughter again, given past restraining orders and the pain caused.

No Hope of Reconciliation Another reader shares that after 13 years of no contact with their accusing daughter, they have given up hope of reconciliation and focused on their other loyal family members. They express gratitude for the emotional and intellectual comfort the FMS Foundation has provided over the years.

Before and After A letter from a daughter to her parents expresses a desire for connection and trust, viewing them as friends and buddies. She wishes they could be present to share her joy and discuss things openly, highlighting the absence of such trust elsewhere.

"D" This entry, signed "A Mom," discusses the advantage of daughters being estranged, primarily financial, but notes that both daughters are now seeing new therapists who are focused on healing. The daughters claim they were sexually abused, and one is willing to reconnect and forgive her father. The other daughter has also discussed forgiveness.

Tiny Steps Signed "A Mom," this piece reflects on the slow but present communication with estranged daughters, facilitated by a therapist specializing in their cases. The author acknowledges learning about the dynamics of repressed memory therapy and their own role in the family's issues, stating that reconciliation wouldn't be happening without the doctor's help.

Retracting is a Step This section, written by 'A Mom,' details the painful and slow process of retracting from therapy and past accusations. The author describes the risk of suicide when leaving therapy and the need for an 'advocate' or someone with information about FMS. They emphasize the importance of connecting with other retractors to know they are not alone and that a future exists beyond the FMS identity.

Nobody Wins This entry discusses the author's daughter's continued belief in repressed memories of a rape from 43 years ago, despite the author's lack of support for these claims. The author notes that the daughter has not found peace and happiness and remains with the same therapist after five years, concluding that "nobody wins" except for some therapists who profit from these situations.

It's Still Happening This short piece references an episode of the TV show 'NCIS' where a murder was solved through hypnosis and recovered memories, highlighting the continued presence and perceived effectiveness of recovered memory therapy in popular culture.

Resources and Information

Web Sites of Interest A comprehensive list of websites related to false memory, memory exhibits, FMS support groups (including international ones), and legal resources is provided.

Legal Web Sites of Interest Several websites offering legal assistance and information related to accusations and defenses are listed.

HUNGRY FOR MONSTERS This is a summary of a case involving a 15-year-old girl in Pittsburgh who accused her father of sexual abuse. The accusations, which involved bizarre satanic rituals, were later admitted to be false by the girl, and the family subsequently sued the authorities.

Ordering Information Details are provided for ordering a VHS video by George Csicsery, likely related to FMS issues.

Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of "Repressed Memory" and Childhood Trauma This section recommends a book by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D., which is described as an indispensable guide for understanding research claims about recovered memories.

Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology This entry recommends an edited book that critically examines psychological theories and practices.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families This highlights a video produced by the Rutherford family detailing their experience with accusation, retraction, and reconciliation, offering insights for other FMS families.

FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board A list of the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board members is provided, including their affiliations and credentials.

Bulletin Board This section lists contacts and meetings for FMS support groups across the United States and internationally, organized by state and country.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently addresses the complex and often painful issues surrounding False Memory Syndrome. The recurring themes include:

• Family Estrangement and Reconciliation: Many personal accounts detail the deep rifts caused by recovered memory accusations and the challenging, often slow, process of healing and reconnecting families.
• Critique of Recovered Memory Therapy: The newsletter frequently features perspectives from 'retractors' and critical analyses of the methods and outcomes of recovered memory therapy, questioning its validity and potential for harm.
• Support for Families: The Foundation provides a vital support network through its newsletter, website, and listed support groups, offering a sense of community and shared experience for those affected by FMS.
• Legal and Ethical Concerns: The newsletter highlights legal cases and ethical considerations related to FMS, including the potential for false accusations and the responsibilities of therapists.
• Information and Resources: A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to providing readers with access to websites, books, videos, and contact information for further research and support.

The overall stance of the newsletter appears to be one of caution and skepticism regarding recovered memory therapy, while strongly advocating for the support and well-being of individuals and families navigating the aftermath of such experiences. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, objective information, and the possibility of a future beyond the trauma of false memories.