False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 16 No 03 - 2007 summer

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated Summer 2007, Volume 16, Number 3, is heavily weighted with recent articles and research concerning traumatic memories and false memories. The newsletter aims to disseminate scientific information to counter the persistent myths of repression and amnesia associated with trauma.

Key Articles and Research Findings

Challenging Trauma-Memory Theories

The newsletter highlights several studies that challenge the notion that traumatic memories are special and protected by unique memory mechanisms. A study by Geraerts and colleagues on Croatian war veterans found no evidence for special mechanisms protecting traumatic memories from decay. Another study by Porter and Peace indicated that traumatic memories are actually more consistent over time than memories of positive emotional events, contradicting the idea of memory impairment due to trauma. The authors conclude that traumatic experiences leave "scars on memory, resulting in remarkably vivid and consistent recollections over long periods."

Betrayal Trauma Theory Under Scrutiny

Two articles critically examine "betrayal trauma theory," which posits that individuals develop amnesia for traumatic events, particularly when the perpetrator is a caretaker. Research by Grant Devilly and colleagues failed to replicate findings supporting this theory, suggesting that dissociation is not necessarily a protective mechanism for accessing trauma memories. Richard McNally also provided an empirical and conceptual critique, arguing that there is no convincing evidence that children develop amnesia for abuse and offering alternative explanations for delayed recall, such as non-disclosure.

Potentially Harmful Therapies

S.O. Lilienfeld's article discusses the importance of identifying and policing potentially harmful psychological treatments, contrasting this with the focus on "empirically supported therapies." Lilienfeld identifies "recovered-memory techniques" and "dissociative identity disorder (DID)-oriented therapy" as areas needing scrutiny. The FMSF Newsletter welcomes this concern for potentially harmful therapies.

False Fame Illusion and Past-Life Memories

A study by Peters, Horselenberg, Jelicic, and Merckelbach explored whether people with hypnotically induced memories of past lives are prone to source monitoring errors. The research suggested that individuals who tend to make source-monitoring errors may confuse fantasies with memories, especially when encouraged by a therapist.

Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) Memories in Norway

An extensive report details a situation in Norway involving patients at Betania Malvik who reported recovering grotesque memories of sexual abuse, often involving multiple perpetrators. This case, reminiscent of the earlier Bjugn Case, has raised concerns among Norwegian psychologists, including Professor Svein Magnussen, who point to international research showing the ease with which false memories can be generated in therapy. While therapists at Betania deny the possibility of false memories, critics worry about the suggestive nature of psychodrama and group therapy, and the potential for such cases to damage legal safeguards and lead to the unpunished release of offenders.

News from Other Countries

• Italy: A satanic-abuse scare in Rignano Flaminio led to arrests, but suspects were later freed due to lack of evidence, dividing the town.
• New Zealand: An "Innocence Project" has been established at Victoria University, highlighting concerns about wrongful convictions.
• Netherlands: After a period of reduced funding for talk therapies, the Dutch government is now allocating millions of Euros for new trauma clinics, raising concerns that this might lead to a resurgence of recovered memory and multiple personality therapies, despite a previous government report critical of such practices.

Legal and Social Commentary

Legal Precedents

The newsletter notes the ongoing legal battles surrounding memory issues. While the Hungerford decision in New Hampshire was a landmark for requiring hearings on the admissibility of recovered memory evidence, a recent Supreme Court of New Jersey decision is seen as unhelpful, overturning a decision that required expert testimony for repressed memory cases.

Citizen Involvement and Justice

The importance of active citizen involvement in ensuring justice is emphasized, citing the Innocence Project's success in freeing individuals through DNA evidence. The article also references Gary Schons' book review on prosecutorial zeal, suggesting that citizen involvement is crucial.

FMSF Foundation Status

The FMSF Board of Directors decided in May that the Foundation is still needed through 2008, given the ongoing issues related to false memories and trauma.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the ongoing debate and scientific investigation into the nature of memory, particularly traumatic memory and the potential for false memories to emerge, often within therapeutic contexts. The FMSF Newsletter consistently advocates for a science-based approach, challenging unsubstantiated claims and promoting critical evaluation of therapeutic practices. The editorial stance is one of vigilance and education, aiming to counter the cultural persistence of myths surrounding repressed memories and to support families affected by these issues. The newsletter emphasizes that while the debate may linger, scientific information is gradually filtering through culture, leading to a potential diminishment of these beliefs.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 16 No. 3
Date: Summer 2007
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into the complex and often controversial topic of false memories, exploring its presence in Norway, legal ramifications, and psychological aspects.

False Memories in Norway

Professor Svein Magnussen of the University of Oslo discusses the spread of recovered memory and dissociation theories in Norway, attributing it to the influence of American and English professional literature and the origins of psychoanalysis in Europe. He notes that while the Bjugn case increased awareness of child witness research and improved interviewing practices, there is still a lack of understanding within the Norwegian professional community regarding how false memories develop and feel so real. Magnussen expresses astonishment that a new case involving false memories has emerged, suggesting that 15 years of international debate should have had an impact.

A trauma program at Betania, funded by the Central Norway Regional Health Authority, is set to operate for two years, starting in January 2008. This program is organized as a research and development project in cooperation with Betania, St. Olav's hospital, and the Central Norway Regional Health Authority. An independent evaluation, designed by Professor O. Linaker, will assess the therapy's effectiveness on patient coping and quality of life, though the direct question of false memories is not part of this evaluation. D. Haga, temporary director at the Central Norway Regional Health Authority, confirmed that false memories are one of many aspects to be investigated.

Legal Corner

New Jersey Supreme Court Decides Expert Not Necessary in Recovered Memory Cases

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that an appeals panel was incorrect to dismiss a jury award to Melissa Phillips, who sued John Gelpke based on memories triggered by a dream. The appeals court had previously held that a case based on repressed memories requires expert testimony diagnosing dissociative amnesia and explaining the recall of repressed memories. However, the State Supreme Court found no need for an expert in such cases and sent the case back to the Appellate Division.

Former Wisconsin and West Virginia Psychiatrist Found Guilty of Murder

Psychiatrist John M. Adams was convicted in July 2004 of the murder of Bob Burns in Portsmouth, Ohio, and sentenced to at least 26 years in prison. Witnesses testified that Adams shot Burns in his home after being informed of a malpractice complaint filed by Michelle and Bobby Burns. Adams claimed he brought a gun to talk to Bobby Burns about the complaint and that Bobby lunged at him, causing him to fire the gun. Michelle Burns reportedly suffered from multiple personalities, and it was alleged Adams was having an affair with her. Adams, who was an associate professor at Marshall University, was on sick leave and suffers from Parkinson Disease. His appeal is ongoing, with the court reporter's transcript being a point of contention due to its confusing and incomplete nature.

Case Updates and Discussions

Ryan Ferguson Case Update

In May 2007, the family of Ryan Ferguson brought his case to public attention on YouTube. Ferguson was convicted of murder in 2006 based on the dream memory of his friend Chuck Erickson, with no physical evidence. The video "Have you ever had a cop in your face?" presents edited clips of the detective's interrogation of Erickson, demonstrating how the interrogator provided words and ideas that were absorbed by Erickson, leading to his detailed account of the crime.

Update of Klassen Case

The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of prosecutor Matthew Miazga but not against therapist Bunko-Ruys. The court found that Bunko-Ruys did not initiate the prosecution against the Klassens. The Klassen family had accused three foster children of participating in orgies and witnessing horrific acts, which were later shown to be lies. Klassen argues that Bunko-Ruys's suggestive questioning led to the absurd allegations. Miazga may appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

"Inaccurate Eyewitness Memory"

A quote from G.L. Wells highlights the fragility and malleability of human memory, stating that inaccurate eyewitness memory is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. Factors like the heat of the moment, passage of time, filling memory gaps with guesses, and constructing new memories based on later information contribute to misremembering events.

Reader Contributions

Remembering Dr. Lief

Don and Iris Anderson express their sorrow at the death of Dr. Lief, remembering him as an honorable, respected, and capable person who defended those falsely accused. They recall his courage in speaking against bad therapy within his profession and his ability to stand his ground against criticism.

Life Is Good

A reader shares how the FMSF Newsletter provided intellectual support during a difficult time following her daughter's sexual abuse accusations. Despite the ongoing estrangement from one daughter, she finds her life good and accepts the rupture, crediting the newsletter for making life livable.

Coping

A father recounts his extensive reading on childhood sexual abuse and recovered memories after his daughter dropped a "bomb" in their lives in 1992. He found two medical texts on the subject particularly helpful in understanding the issue and the unscientific nature of materials supporting repressed memory therapy.

A Grandmother's Journal

This section reprints an excerpt from a grandmother's journal written for her new grandchild, expressing her love and yearning to connect despite a forced separation. She emphasizes that no one in the family is bad and that the events separating them were strange and unwarranted.

Myths of Childhood by Joel Paris

This section reviews Joel Paris's book "Myths of Childhood," which challenges common beliefs about personality formation, mental disorders, and the dependence of effective psychotherapy on reconstructing childhood experiences. The review suggests that as mental health care evolves towards evidence-based practices, many popular psychological "truths" may be debunked.

Misery Memoirs

Brendan O'Neill discusses the thriving market for abuse memoirs in the UK, noting that they constituted 8.8% of the top 100 bestselling paperbacks. He questions why authors confess their misery and what readers find enjoyable, with some arguing that these books flatter readers' sense of moral outrage while secretly titillating. Others, like Professor James Pennebaker, suggest that writing about upheavals can aid healing.

Web Sites of Interest

A comprehensive list of websites related to false memory syndrome, Satanic Ritual Abuse, and legal resources is provided.

Legal Web Sites of Interest

A list of legal resource websites is included.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

Information is provided about a DVD featuring the Rutherford family's story of accusation, retraction, and reconciliation, available for purchase.

Recommended Books

Several recommended books are listed, including "Remembering Trauma" by Richard McNally and "Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology" edited by Lilienfeld, Lynn, and Lohr.

Bulletin Board: Contacts & Meetings

This section provides contact information for FMS Foundation chapters and meetings across the United States and internationally, along with deadlines for submitting meeting notices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently addresses the controversial topic of false memories, recovered memory therapy, and its legal and psychological implications. It highlights cases where alleged recovered memories have led to legal disputes and criminal convictions, often questioning the reliability of such memories and the methods used to elicit them. The FMS Foundation appears to advocate for a critical examination of recovered memory claims, emphasizing the potential for suggestibility and the fragility of memory. The publication also serves as a platform for personal stories, reader contributions, and resources for those affected by these issues, while also promoting scientific and evidence-based approaches in psychology.