to a perceived memory need not correlate with the veracity of that event,
but rather only to whether one believes that event to be true.”[note 4]
Therapists may believe that they are helping clients and improving a
culture in which sex abuse is far too prevalent. A patient may find group
acceptance in the cadre of survivors and find “the” reason for problems.
Patients suffering from severe psychological symptoms are known to engage in
what is called, “effort after meaning” (Bass & Davis, 1988), in that they
seek some explanation, however remote, for suffering.
So, should accounts of repressed memory be dismissed out of hand? Of course
not! But there should be an attempt to corroborate such memories with
independent evidence and testimony before drawing conclusions about actual
abuses or crimes. Such accounts should be taken very seriously and should be
critically examined, giving them all the attention and investigative
analysis we would give to any allegation of crime. But we should not rush to
judgement, either about the accuracy of the memories of about the causal
connection between past experiences and present problems. We should neither
automatically reject as false memories which have been repressed for years
and are suddenly recollected, nor should we automatically accept such
memories as true. In terms of verification of their accuracy, these memories
should not be treated any differently than any other type of memory.
Bibliography
NOTES
1. Yet, it has happened. In a modern version of the Salem witch hunts, the
McMartin pre-school case exemplifies the very worst in institutionalized
justice on the hunt for child molesters.
See, Mason, M. (Sept. 1991). The McMartin case revisited: the conflict
between social work and criminal justice, Social Work, v.36, no.5.
391-396. [on evaluating the credibility of children as witnesses in sexual
abuse cases] ,
2. See, Council on Scientific Affairs, (1994). American Medical
Association, June 16.
3. See, Council on Scientific Affairs, (1994). American Medical
Association, June 16.
4. See, Ofshe, R., & Watters, E., (1994). Making Monsters: False Memory,
Psychotherapy and Sexual Hysteria. p.109.
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