False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 20 No 02 - 2011 spring

Magazine Overview

The False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, Spring 2011 issue (Vol. 20, No. 2), serves as a platform to discuss the ongoing "memory wars" and the complexities surrounding recovered memories of abuse. The newsletter aims to present a skeptical viewpoint, highlighting the malleability of memory and the potential for therapeutic techniques to create false recollections.

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The editorial, penned by Pamela, reflects on the past 20 years of the FMSF's efforts to challenge the belief in recovered memories. It notes that while scientific understanding of memory's malleability is high, popular belief remains mixed, influenced by the romantic notion of repression. The newsletter celebrates the recognition of FMSF Scientific Advisory Board member Elizabeth Loftus, who received the AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for her impactful research on memory and its application in the justice system. Conversely, it criticizes online misinformation that misrepresents Loftus and the FMSF, such as claims of US Army funding.

The issue delves into several key areas:

Elizabeth Loftus and Scientific Recognition

Elizabeth Loftus is lauded for her work on the fallibility and malleability of memory, which has been central to challenging the "repressed memory" moral panic. Her award from the AAAS underscores the scientific establishment's acknowledgment of her contributions to justice and society. Her acceptance speech emphasizes the importance of scientific freedom and responsibility, particularly in speaking out against cherished beliefs that lack substantiation.

Roseanne Barr's Retraction

The newsletter revisits the case of celebrity Roseanne Barr, who in 1991 publicly accused her parents of sexual abuse. In 2011, she retracted these accusations, stating they were the "biggest mistake" she had ever made and attributing her state of mind to psychiatric drugs. While she maintains that some abusive and horrible things did happen, she no longer believes the specific accusation of incest.

Legal Cases and Wrongful Convictions

Two disturbing legal cases are highlighted: the Ryan Ferguson case, where a conviction for murder was based on a friend's recovered memory from a dream, with no physical evidence and subsequent retraction of testimony; and the case of Joseph Allen and Nancy Smith, who were ordered back to prison after being acquitted of child sex-abuse charges, raising concerns about double jeopardy and due process.

Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and Media Portrayals

The documentary "When the Devil Knocks" by the Canadian Broadcasting System is criticized for its uncritical portrayal of MPD, focusing on Hilary Stanton's experiences without adequate political or social context. The review suggests the program falls into the category of "mental illness as entertainment" and neglects important critical perspectives on MPD.

Hypnosis and False Memory Research

David Jacobs, an Associate Professor of History, is discussed for his research on alien abduction using hypnotic regressions. The case of Emma Woods, a research subject, raises concerns about Jacobs' methods, including leading questions and suggestion, potentially facilitating the creation of false memories and confabulations. The article notes that while Temple University found no wrongdoing, the issue of hypnosis in alien abduction research and its potential to create false claims is brought to light.

Reader Contributions and Personal Stories

Several reader contributions offer personal perspectives. One reader shares the painful experience of her daughter accusing her of sexual abuse, leading to a fractured relationship that shows signs of potential repair after years of estrangement. Another reader, an M.D., expresses a pessimistic view on relationship repair after significant damage, while acknowledging the potential for future reconciliation due to grandchildren.

In Memoriam: Charles Curry

The newsletter pays tribute to Charles Curry, a founding member of the FMSF, who passed away at 92. Curry was a successful businessman and philanthropist whose financial support was crucial to the FMSF's projects. His daughter had falsely accused him of abuse, leading to a long estrangement that was resolved shortly before his death.

Book Reviews and Resources

Brief mentions are made of new books related to recovered memories and trauma, including "You're Only as Sick as Your Secrets" by Donna Jacques Temm and "A Heart Held Ransomed" by Steve Skotko, which details his lawsuit against a recovered-memory therapist.

Study on Trauma and Dissociation

A study by Dutra et al. is presented, which failed to find a direct association between childhood trauma and dissociation in young adulthood, suggesting that caregiver emotional availability may play a more significant role.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of recovered memory claims, the scientific understanding of memory's fallibility, the legal ramifications of unreliable testimony, and the impact of these phenomena on individuals and families. The FMSF maintains a stance of skepticism towards unsubstantiated recovered memories, advocating for scientific rigor, external corroboration, and critical thinking in addressing claims of abuse and trauma. The newsletter consistently aims to inform readers about research, legal developments, and personal experiences that challenge the prevailing narratives around recovered memories.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Spring 2011, Volume 20, Number 2, is published by the FMS Foundation. The issue features articles on psychological concepts, personal reflections, book reviews, and organizational information.

Articles and Content

"Living Well is the Best Revenge" and Personal Reflections

Dion Wright reflects on the nature of life, synchronicity, and serendipity, expressing skepticism about simplistic notions of life's screenplay. He discusses the difficulty of equating perceived daughters with destructive acts and the concept of life as a cliff-hanger. Wright shares his personal journey in creating sculptures, noting a waning idealism and the perceived banality of public sensibilities in the "cyber-generation." He aligns his artistic values with those of Neolithic cave painters as an alternative to contemporary "brainless non-sequitur." Wright also mentions a civic commission in Flagstaff to sculpt a life-size mountain lion for youth outreach, with hopes of placing the original welded steel cat at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.

Life is described as a precarious proposition, becoming more fragile and temporary with time. Wright suggests that a more conscious awareness of this "exquisitely shimmering transcendence" would be beneficial.

Did You Know About Introjects?

This section defines "introjects" as alters created during a traumatic incident, who believe they are separate people but are part of the Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) system. It explains that controlling abusers and perpetrators create these introjects to maintain control and dominance over the survivor-victim, even when the survivor is away from the perpetrator. The information is attributed to a retrieval from discussingdissociation.wordpress.com on January 27, 2011.

Some Books of Interest

A curated list of books is presented, focusing on themes of trauma, memory, and psychology:

• *The Trauma Myth: The Truth About the Sexual Abuse of Children and Its Aftermath* by Susan A. Clancy
• *Remembering Trauma* by Richard McNally
• *Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology* by S. O. Lilienfeld, S.J. Lynn, J.M. Lohr
• *Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of “Repressed Memory" and Childhood Trauma* by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D.
• *Remembering Our Childhood: How Memory Betrays Us* by Karl Sabbagh
• *Making Minds and Madness: From Hysteria to Depression* (Chapter 3: "A Black Box Named Sybil") by Mikkel Borch-Jacobsen
• *Try to Remember: Psychiatry's Clash Over Meaning, Memory, and Mind* by Paul McHugh, M.D.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

This section highlights a popular DVD produced by the Rutherford family, which chronicles their complete story from accusation to retraction and reconciliation. It details how family members coped and worked towards reunification, with special mention of Beth Rutherford's contributions regarding retraction and return. The DVD is available in DVD format only and can be ordered by sending a request to FMSF-DVD, 1955 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. The cost is $10.00 per DVD, with additional charges for Canada and other countries. Checks should be payable to the FMS Foundation.

Organizational Information

Contact and Membership

The FMS Foundation is a qualified 501(c)3 corporation with principal offices in Philadelphia, governed by its Board of Directors. It encourages member participation but clarifies that it has no affiliates and no other entity is authorized to speak for the Foundation without prior written approval from the Executive Director. Membership dues and contributions must be forwarded to the Foundation.

The newsletter is published four times a year (2011 schedule mentioned) and is delivered electronically. It is also available on the FMSF website (www.FMSFonline.org). Those without internet access are advised to contact the Foundation.

Contribution Information

Information is provided on how to contribute financially, including options for Visa, Discover, Mastercard (with a minimum of $25), and Check or Money Order payable to FMS Foundation in U.S. dollars. A form for printing personal and payment details is included.

Advisory Board

The FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board list for April 1, 2011, includes numerous prominent individuals in psychology and related fields, with their affiliations and locations. A separate list acknowledges deceased advisors.

Contact Details

Contact information for the FMS Foundation is provided: 1955 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5766. Phone: 215-940-1040, Fax: 215-940-1042, Email: [email protected], Website: www.FMSFonline.org. Pamela Freyd, Ph.D., is the Executive Director.

E-mail Subscription

Readers can subscribe to electronic versions of the newsletter and receive notices about FMS by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line "add to the FMS-News." Full names are requested but not mandatory and will be kept confidential.

Bulletin Board - Contacts & Meetings

A comprehensive list of contacts and meeting information for FMS groups across the United States and internationally is provided. This includes contacts for Alabama (via Georgia), Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California (multiple locations), Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts/New England, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. International contacts include British Columbia (Canada), Manitoba (Canada), Ontario (Canada), Australia, Belgium, France, Israel, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Web Sites of Interest

A list of relevant websites is provided, including those related to Elizabeth Loftus, Satanic Panics, False Memory Reading Groups, investigative journalism, French False Memory Groups, Christian counseling, the Illinois-Wisconsin FMS Society, the Ohio Group, Australian FMS updates, the British False Memory Society, Satanic Ritual Abuse information, and sites related to child abuse defense and memory recovery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the FMS Foundation's mission, which appears to focus on issues related to false memories, recovered memories, trauma, and alleged child abuse cases. The editorial stance is supportive of individuals and families affected by these issues, providing resources, information, and a platform for discussion. The emphasis on "retraction and reconciliation" in the Rutherford family story suggests a particular focus on cases where initial accusations have been withdrawn. The inclusion of scientific and professional advisory boards indicates an effort to ground the Foundation's work in expert opinion, although the specific viewpoints of these advisors are not detailed in this issue. The overall tone is informative and aims to connect individuals with relevant resources and support networks.