False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 17 No 03 - 2008 summer

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated Summer 2008, Volume 17, Number 3, addresses various topics related to memory, psychology, and the potential for misinformation. The newsletter expresses surprise at the increasing appearance of the phrase "false memory" and the acronym "FMS" in popular culture, citing a music group called "Retractor" with a song titled "A False Memory." It also warns against online "scams" and websites that may mislead readers or misrepresent the Foundation's positions.

Misinformation and the Role of the Foundation

The newsletter discusses the challenge of combating misinformation, particularly online, where websites and blogs may distort information about false memories. The FMSF acknowledges the difficulty of addressing these issues in a society that values free speech but emphasizes its ongoing commitment to educating the public about good science. Readers are encouraged to report pernicious websites for potential inclusion on the FMSF site.

Scientific Achievements and Media Portrayals

Dr. Henry Roediger, an FMSF Scientific Advisor, is highlighted for receiving the Warren Medal for his significant contributions to the study of false memory. The issue also notes the upcoming publication of a book by FMSF Scientific Advisor Dr. Paul McHugh, "Try to Remember: Psychiatry's Clash Over Meaning, Memory, and Mind." The newsletter contrasts scientific progress with the media's continued fascination with recovered memories, referencing a recent "Oprah" program featuring Dr. Brian Weiss on past-life regression.

Hypnosis and Past-Life Regression

Two letters are included addressing the "Oprah" program on past-life regression. The first, from Pamela Freyd, Ph.D., criticizes the program for giving credibility to the notion of past-life regression, stating that people experience suggestion and imagination, not actual past lives. It references an article from "Scientific American" that debunks the idea of recovering memories of infancy or past lives through hypnosis. The second letter, from Robert Karlin, Ph.D., John Kihlstrom, Ph.D., and Emily Orne, further explains that while hypnosis can produce vivid experiences, it does not allow subjects to transcend the limitations of human memory or recover genuine memories of past lives or infancy. They argue that memories generated through age regression are vividly imagined fantasy experienced as real, not historical accounts.

Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

The newsletter reviews Herschel Walker's memoir, "Breaking Free: My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder." It notes that Walker's story differs from typical MPD narratives as he did not claim to be a victim of sexual abuse and had supportive parents. The review points out Walker's idiosyncratic understanding of DID and his tendency to attribute both accomplishments and failures to his multiple personalities, questioning his acceptance of responsibility. The review also critiques the use of ghostwriters, suggesting their involvement diluted Walker's voice and incorporated "multiple personality psychobabble."

A Cautionary Tale: False Accusations

The issue presents a cautionary tale about "Richard Black," who was convicted of sexual abuse based on a recovered memory. The article details how the accusation, made seven months after the alleged incidents, lacked strong evidence and how the legal process shifted the burden of proof. Richard Black was eventually released after serving time and has since rebuilt his life, but faces ongoing challenges due to laws governing sex offenders. His mother continues to hold accountable the therapist and attorneys involved.

Research on Memory and Trauma

Several research articles are summarized:

• "Are Emotional Memories More Likely to Be Reliable?" by Laney and Loftus examines whether emotional content in memories indicates their accuracy. The study found that false memories can be emotional, and emotionality does not reliably indicate memory accuracy. It suggests that testimony should not be considered more credible simply because of its emotional content.

• "New Book of Interest: Stress, Trauma, and Children's Memory Development" reviews a collection of research on the impact of stress and trauma on memory development in children. The book highlights that children can remember traumatic experiences, but the way they recall them is influenced by various factors, and emotional content alone is not a reliable indicator of memory accuracy.

• "Taking the 'Trauma' out of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder" discusses a study questioning whether PTSD symptoms are necessarily caused by trauma, suggesting they may be a non-specific cluster of symptoms observed in various mood and anxiety disorders. The article also touches on the debate surrounding the existence of repression.

• "Memories for Sexually Traumatic Events Are Not Impaired Compared with Memories of Other Emotional Events" presents research indicating that memories for sexual trauma are not impaired compared to other emotional memories and are often vivid and detailed. The study found no evidence that memories for sexually traumatic events are inherently less reliable.

Legal Corner: R. v. C.L.Y.

The "Legal Corner" discusses the Canadian Supreme Court case R. v. C.L.Y., where a conviction for sexual assault based on a child's accusation of tickling was overturned. The article highlights flaws in the trial judge's reasoning, including a lack of presumption of innocence and a mischaracterization of the evidence. It emphasizes the importance of considering the accused's evidence and the possibility of mistaken accusations, especially in cases involving children.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently advocates for scientific rigor in understanding memory and psychological phenomena. It critiques media portrayals that sensationalize or misrepresent complex issues like false memory and past-life regression. The FMSF positions itself as a source of accurate information, aiming to educate the public and counter misinformation. There is a strong emphasis on the distinction between genuine memory and suggested or imagined experiences, particularly in the context of therapeutic interventions and legal proceedings. The FMSF appears to be concerned with the potential for psychological concepts to be misused, leading to harmful outcomes for individuals and families.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 17 No. 3
Date: Summer 2008
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: United States
Language: English

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into various aspects of false memory syndrome, repressed memory therapy, and related psychological and media phenomena. The lead article focuses on the 2008 CBS television remake of "Sybil," examining its reception and the historical controversy surrounding the original case.

Sybil TV-Movie Remake – Finally

The main article discusses the CBS remake of the 1976 movie "Sybil," starring Jessica Lange and Tammy Blanchard. It notes that reviews were mixed, with some finding the movie unintentionally funny. A key point of interest for FMSF readers is whether the remake addressed the controversy surrounding whether Sybil's memories were a result of hypnosis, drugs, and suggestion. The article references a letter from Karlin et al. explaining issues with memories "recovered" using hypnosis. It also mentions that the FMSF sent information to the media about newly found tapes of conversations between Schreiber and Wilbur. The article highlights the movie's creators' framing of the story, particularly their portrayal of Dr. Herbert Spiegel, who publicly disagreed with the MPD diagnosis. The end credits of the movie acknowledged the controversy, stating that "Many colleagues continued to believe that she [Wilbur] herself created the personalities assigned to her patient." The movie also presented paintings done by Sybil in various styles as evidence of multiple personalities, a point the article critiques by noting that artists often imitate styles.

Several reviews are cited, including one from the Los Angeles Times questioning the movie's depth and another from the Boston Globe stating the remake had "less depth and less personality" and was less sophisticated than the original, despite advances in understanding mental illness and child abuse.

Sybil: An MPD Hoax?

Another section questions whether the CBS remake would document "Sybil's" MPD as a hoax. It points to the significant increase in reported MPD cases following the book and movie, from fewer than 50 worldwide before "Sybil" to over 40,000 by 1994. The article cites The New York Review of Books and an interview with Dr. Herbert Spiegel, who suggested Sybil's "memories" were a result of suggestion by Dr. Cornelia B. Wilbur. It also references Professor Robert Rieber's book, "The Bifurcation of the Self," which documents how the hoax was perpetrated, noting that Schreiber was unable to find corroborating evidence for "Sybil's" alleged experiences.

The article warns that media giving credence to psychological anomalies can lead to widespread belief, citing examples like the McMartin preschool cases, the "Satanic Panic," and alien abduction sightings. It emphasizes that "Sybil" played a significant role in the "false" or "recovered" memory debate, and that the danger of unleashing another tsunami exists unless the truth is told.

Never Underestimate the Lack of Common Sense?

This section details an incident in Barrie, Ontario, where an 11-year-old autistic girl, Victoria, was accused of child abuse based on a psychic reading. The article describes how the school board reported this to the Children's Aid Society (CAS), and how the principal presented a list of Victoria's behaviors as evidence. Ms. Leduc, Victoria's mother, recounts the experience and notes that the school superintendent stated that while staff have a duty to report suspected abuse, psychic readings are not considered evidence by CAS. Ms. Leduc expressed disappointment at the lack of apology from the school.

From Our Readers

This section features several reader contributions:

What Do We Do?

A letter from Alex and Marjorie, grieving parents, describes their adult daughter's accusation of sexual abuse against them, which they dismiss as pure fantasy resulting from therapy. They express their pain and frustration at losing their daughter and grandchildren due to this accusation, noting that their daughter is now happy but no longer the person she once was. They state they will continue to hope for her return.

Too Painful

A mother writes about her daughter's return after 17 years, admitting that "none of those awful things really happened." The daughter continues to receive treatment for bipolar disorder, stress, and anxiety, and is gradually reintegrating into the family, though she avoids discussing the past due to its painful nature.

Out of the Blue

Another mother shares the unexpected return of her daughter after 17 years. The daughter called, asked to visit, and the visit went well, with conversations about good times and her current life. The daughter has since asked to visit again, and the parents are happy to have her back.

Something On My Mind

M.K., identified as a "Retractor," suggests that much of the rhetoric on false memories focuses on negative aspects of professionals. They advocate for introducing a positive expectation to therapy, focusing on preserving patient dignity and avoiding dangerous territory. The author believes that clients feel they deserve medical care, especially after experiencing trauma.

A Mom

This contributor reflects on their upbringing in a devout Catholic household where suffering was encouraged over relief, impacting their approach to health. They describe their parents as eccentric and discuss their own need for therapy, particularly after developing bipolar disorder. The author notes that some therapists struggled with patients who had severe mental illness, viewing them as "crazy." They found an excellent therapist who listened and helped them improve.

Allergist Example

This section praises a doctor who exemplifies good practice by showing compassion and treating patients with dignity. The author recounts an experience with an allergist who provided consistent support and validation, helping the author feel worthy of help and able to discuss difficult past experiences.

News From France

The False Memory Association in France has changed its name to AFSI (Alerte Faux Souvenirs Induits). The article reports on a government commission's report that assimilates mental manipulation by therapists with cult indoctrination. The chapter on False Memories, written by psychologist Delphine Guerard, highlights her work helping families whose children accused them of abuse after regression therapy. The report received significant media attention in France, and the FMSF is optimistic it will help professionals understand the problem of false memories.

Remembering the Future

This article explores the concept of "mental time travel," suggesting that memory works both ways, allowing us to recall the past and imagine the future. It cites evidence of an intimate mental connection between recalling the past and imagining the future, and discusses how this ability is crucial for survival and the development of civilization, according to neuroscientist Endel Tulving.

Henry Roediger Receives Prestigious Award

Professor Henry Roediger, a member of the FMSF Scientific Advisory Board, received the Warren Medal from the Society of Experimental Psychologists for his "creative experimental investigations of false memory." His work is described as a central thrust in the study of false memory and has led to a new understanding of human memory. The article notes that four previous Warren Medal winners have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

Web Sites of Interest

A comprehensive list of websites related to false memory syndrome, satanic panics, cults, and related topics is provided.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

This section promotes a DVD about the Rutherford family's experience, covering accusation, retraction, and reconciliation, and highlighting Beth Rutherford's comments on her family's journey.

Recommended Books

A list of recommended books is provided, including "Remembering Trauma" by Richard McNally, "Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology" edited by Lilienfeld, Lynn, and Lohr, and "Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of 'Repressed Memory' and Childhood Trauma" by Harrison G. Pope, Jr.

Bulletin Board: Contacts & Meetings

This section provides a directory of FMSF local chapters and contact information for meetings across the United States and internationally, along with deadlines for submitting meeting notices.

Copyright and Contact Information

The newsletter includes copyright information for 2008 by the FMS Foundation, its address, phone, fax, and email, as well as its website. It also lists the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board members and provides information on how to receive electronic versions of the newsletter. A section on "Your Contribution Will Help" solicits donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the controversy surrounding the "Sybil" case and its media portrayals, the impact of therapy on memory and family relationships, the critique of certain therapeutic practices, and the scientific study of memory and false memories. The FMS Foundation's stance appears to be critical of therapies that may lead to false memories or accusations, advocating for evidence-based practices and the protection of individuals from iatrogenic harm. The newsletter also promotes awareness and support for those affected by false memory issues and encourages scientific research in the field.