False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 14 No 03 - 2005 mayjune

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated May/June 2005, Vol. 14 No. 3, addresses the ongoing debate and research surrounding repressed and recovered memories. It highlights legal challenges, scientific findings, and media portrayals of memory phenomena.

Legal Corner: New Hampshire Upholds Hungerford

The newsletter's "Legal Corner" section reviews the April 4, 2005, ruling by Judge Tina Nadeau in the case of NH v. Bourgelais. This case challenged the admissibility of repressed-memory evidence in court. Judge Nadeau determined that the reliability of memory retrieval had not been sufficiently established to allow the introduction of Rhianna's memories in this case. The ruling upheld the precedent set by the 1996 Hungerford decision, which established eight criteria for the admissibility of such evidence. Judge Nadeau found the phenomenon of repressed memory recovery not to be scientifically accepted, despite the prosecution presenting eighty-five studies. She was particularly persuaded by the testimony of Dr. Margaret Ward, a psychologist who believes in recovered memories but noted the lack of consensus on the mechanisms of repression and retrieval. Conversely, she found the testimony of prosecution expert Dr. Daniel Brown flawed, citing methodological critiques and the improper application of psychological tests designed for clinical, not forensic, use. The defense's expert, Dr. David Medoff, also testified that Dr. Brown's methodology was flawed, particularly in his application of the Impact of Event Scale and the MMPI.

The newsletter notes that courts have generally maintained skepticism about recovered memories in criminal cases since the Quattrocchi case in Rhode Island, with the Shanley decision being an exception.

Research on False Memories and Related Phenomena

This issue summarizes several articles pushing the frontiers of false memory research. New research from Richard McNally's lab at Harvard suggests that individuals prone to false memories often exhibit poor source monitoring and may have experienced sleep paralysis. Mark Pendergrast's work on "sleep paralysis," "flashbacks," and "body memories" is also discussed. An article by Stephan Lewandowsky et al. demonstrates that people tend to believe information that aligns with their existing views, even if it is false, explaining why accusers may cling to false memories despite contradictory evidence. The newsletter also touches upon the reputational damage that accusations can cause.

Source Monitoring

A study by McNally, Clancy, Barrett, Parker, and Hayes (2005) investigated reality monitoring in adults reporting repressed, recovered, or continuous memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The research indicated that individuals who believe they harbor repressed or recovered memories of CSA were less able to discriminate between seen and imagined words compared to those without such histories. This suggests that poor source monitoring may contribute to the development of false memories.

Betrayal Trauma

McNally, Ristuccia, Perlman, and Freyd (2005) examined memory deficits for trauma cues in adults reporting continuous or recovered memories of CSA. Contrary to expectations based on betrayal trauma theory, which predicts dissociation of memories in victims of abuse by caretakers, all groups (continuous memory, recovered memory, and no history of CSA) showed better recall for trauma words than neutral words. The findings suggest that previous results may not generalize to adults who report both forgetting and then recovering memories of CSA.

Sleep Paralysis

McNally and Clancy (2005) explored the link between sleep paralysis and repressed or recovered memories of CSA. They found that individuals reporting CSA were more likely to experience sleep paralysis. The researchers administered questionnaires to assess sleep paralysis and its explanations. The results indicated a higher prevalence of sleep paralysis among those who reported sexual abuse in childhood, suggesting a potential connection.

Memory for Misinformation

Lewandowsky, Stritzke, Oberauer, and Morales (2005) investigated how people retain misinformation, even after it has been retracted. Their study, which examined responses to war-related events in the US, Australia, and Germany, found that people in the US were least sensitive to misinformation corrections. The authors concluded that repetition of news stories, even if later disconfirmed, can create false memories, and that people are less likely to discount misinformation if they are suspicious of the motives behind its dissemination. Corrections do not alter beliefs unless suspicion is present, and people ignore corrections regardless of their certainty.

Martha Beck's Memoir: "Leaving the Saints"

The newsletter reviews Martha Beck's memoir, "Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith." The book details Beck's recovered memories of childhood ritual sexual abuse by her father, Hugh Nibley. The memoir has garnered national attention, though Beck's siblings have disputed its accuracy. The review highlights the confrontation between Beck and her 90-year-old father, describing it as a deliberate deception and a "cruel confrontation." The details of the confrontation, including the use of a hotel room and the involvement of a cousin and another accomplice, are presented. Beck's approach is described as making her father uncomfortable, and the review notes her father's denial of the accusations. The newsletter also mentions that B. J. Petersen, Beck's brother-in-law, has provided contradictory evidence to her claims. The review points out that Beck neglected to include facts relevant to her narrative, such as her consultation with a recovered-memory therapist and her reading of "The Courage to Heal."

Media Portrayals and Misinterpretations

The newsletter criticizes the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories in some local media, citing examples of articles that present such claims without skepticism. One article, "Writers never forget amnesia," is highlighted for its aptness in describing this phenomenon. The issue also mentions a CNN series that featured memory researchers, noting that the national media continue to present accurate information about memory.

Body Memories and Panic Attacks

The newsletter delves into the concept of "body memories," which are physical ailments or sensations interpreted as evidence of repressed memories, particularly in cases of childhood abuse. It explains that these psychosomatic complaints are common and can be triggered by therapeutic techniques like massage or hypnosis. The newsletter also discusses panic attacks, noting that they are common and often misinterpreted as repressed memories. It cites research indicating that 35% of Americans report experiencing panic attacks and that these episodes can be triggered by stress or fear, sometimes leading to a "negative feedback cycle" of anxiety. The newsletter also touches upon the idea that "autonomous" images during panic attacks can feel as real as traumatic episodes.

Symptoms: Pickle Aversion and Eating Disorders

This section explores how belief in repressed memories can drive the interpretation of symptoms, even without specific memories. It discusses how therapists might encourage clients to identify with PTSD symptoms, leading them to seek repressed memories as explanations. The case of Holly Ramona is presented, where her aversion to certain foods was interpreted as evidence of childhood molestation. The newsletter also addresses the link between eating disorders and repressed memories, noting that while many therapists consider eating disorders a symptom of childhood incest, scientific evidence does not support this hypothesis. It highlights that thousands of women with eating disorders continue to search for repressed memories, despite the effectiveness of conventional medical treatments.

Cautionary Tale

A cautionary tale is recounted from psychologist Kay Thompson, involving a client who sought therapy for a dental gag reflex. Under hypnosis, she revealed memories of a childhood tonsillectomy, which disappeared after hypnosis. However, her doctor stated she never had her tonsils removed, illustrating how easily symptoms can be attributed to incorrect causes. The moral is that simple causality for human behavior is difficult to determine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently advocates for a skeptical and evidence-based approach to recovered memory claims. It emphasizes the lack of scientific consensus, the potential for suggestion and misinformation, and the importance of legal and scientific rigor in evaluating such evidence. The editorial stance is critical of the recovered-memory movement and highlights research that challenges its core tenets, while also acknowledging the genuine suffering of individuals and the need for accurate information about memory and trauma.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Vol. 14 No. 3, published in May/June 2005, is a magazine focused on the controversial topic of recovered memories. The issue's cover headline is 'Recovered-Memories,' and it aims to clarify what constitutes a recovered memory, presenting examples and critiques of the phenomenon.

Recovered-Memories

This section features personal accounts and analyses related to recovered memories. The first article, written by Lloyd Corney, presents two examples of alleged recovered memories from his daughter. The first is a written account by his daughter describing a memory of incest, which she had to work for a month to recall, and her mother did not remember. Corney suggests that family photos might have been used to help build this memory. The second example is a direct quote from a therapist's notes from January 30, 1991, detailing a 'memory' of his daughter and her friend playing 'rape' with their dolls, involving themes of drugging and forgetting. Corney questions the plausibility of young children understanding the ideology of recovered memories and notes that the therapist involved wrote to the government seeking more money, describing the case as 'clearly in the category of severe.' Corney expresses hope that these examples will lead proponents of recovered memories to have doubts.

Beware Interpreting Dreams

This personal account describes the author's experience with recovered memories, which began after her mother started having memories of alleged sexual and ritual abuse by her grandfather. The author initially denied any memory of abuse but later began to interpret her dreams, believing they would reveal past traumas. After a year of trying to dream of past events, she had dreams about being kidnapped, molested, and involved in a child porn ring. She concludes that 'true memories seemed like phantoms, while false memories were so convincing that they replaced reality,' quoting Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Still Holding Anger

This piece is a letter from a father expressing anger towards recovered-memory therapists, comparing their actions to the enemy in WW2 POW camps. He believes that the actions against these therapists should be held in criminal courts, as it is a crime to destroy a close-knit family. He states that his beautiful daughter's mind has been taken over and doubts they will ever see her again.

Loving Support From FMS Friends

This is a brief letter from a mother expressing gratitude for the support of local FMSF members, which gave them hope for reconciliation with their daughter. The daughter had been out of contact with her father and brothers for almost three years but seemed to enjoy a family gathering and expressed love for her father.

Oregon and Washington Families

This section announces that families in Oregon and Washington are organizing for action and provides contact information for Donna Crace.

Canadian Families and Professionals

This article highlights the efforts of Canadian families, led by Adriaan Mak, to petition the Minister of Health to establish a committee of inquiry into false allegations of childhood sexual abuse based on recovered memories. This action is inspired by similar organizing efforts in the Netherlands and Australia.

Attachment Therapy

This section announces a new website, http://www.ChildrenInTherapy.org/, dedicated to pseudoscience known as Attachment Therapy (AT) and its alleged abuses on adopted and foster children. It lists topics covered on the site, including AT brutality, abusive techniques, and parenting techniques.

Trauma and Memory

This excerpt quotes James McGaugh, discussing how emotionally significant events lead to stronger memories. He explains that extreme trauma, such as witnessing a friend's death on the battlefield, creates a very strong memory that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Web Sites of Interest

This page lists numerous websites related to false memory, recovered memory, and related topics, including academic research groups, news archives, and advocacy sites.

Legal Web Sites of Interest

A list of legal websites is provided, presumably for those researching legal aspects of recovered memory cases.

Hungry for Monsters

This is a case study of Nicole Althaus, a 15-year-old who accused her father of sexual abuse and satanic rituals. The case led to multiple arrests, but all charges were eventually dropped when Nicole admitted her accusations were false. Her family later sued the authorities. The article notes that Nicole embellished her initial accusations as she 'recovered' more memories.

Ordering Information

Information is provided for ordering a VHS video by George Csicsery, likely related to the topic of recovered memories.

Remembering Trauma

This is a description of the book 'Remembering Trauma' by Richard McNally, published by Harvard University Press, which is presented as a comprehensive review of research about trauma and memory.

Elizabeth Loftus has moved her web site

An announcement that Elizabeth Loftus has moved her website to UCI web: www.seweb.uci.edu/faculty/loftus/.

Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of "Repressed Memory" and Childhood Trauma

This is a description of a book by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D., which is presented as an indispensable guide for understanding research claims about recovered memories. It is noted as an outgrowth of 'Focus on Science' columns that appeared in the newsletter.

Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology

This is a recommendation for an edited book titled 'Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology' by S. O. Lilienfeld, S. J. Lynn, and J. M. Lohr.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

This section describes a video made by the Rutherford family, which covers their story of accusation, retraction, and reconciliation. It highlights Beth Rutherford's comments on how her family helped her retract her accusations.

Bulletin Board

This extensive section provides contact information for FMS (False Memory Syndrome) groups and meetings across the United States, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Israel, New Zealand, and Sweden. It includes names, phone numbers, and meeting schedules for various local chapters.

Copyright and Contact Information

This page includes copyright information for the FMS Foundation, contact details for the foundation, and information about the ISSN. It also provides an email address for receiving electronic versions of the newsletter and notices.

Your Contribution Will Help

This section is a donation appeal, requesting contributions via Visa, Discover, Mastercard, or check/money order, with instructions for printing and filling out the form.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of recovered memories and the practices associated with their retrieval. The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently questions the scientific validity and ethical implications of therapies that claim to uncover repressed memories of abuse. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards recovered memory claims, highlighting instances where memories are presented as potentially induced, embellished, or false. The newsletter advocates for caution in interpreting dreams and memories, emphasizes the potential for harm caused by certain therapeutic approaches, and provides resources for those who believe they have been wrongly accused or affected by the recovered memory movement. There is a clear focus on legal and personal repercussions, as well as a call for greater scrutiny of therapeutic practices.