Claims of Repressed Memories - Forensic Psychology

ISSUES IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
Claims of Repressed Memories

Large numbers of therapists assume that the here-and-now psychological problems of adults originate as a result of childhood traumas motivating the use of repression as a coping mechnanism. These therapists frequently persuade their patients that they were sexually abused as children, but have repressed their memories of that abuse
Consistent with the doctorines of Freudian theory, this theory-driven thinking presumes that the human psyche frequently deals with horrific traumas by wiping out - or repressing - any memories of those traumatic experiences.
A review of the relevant research data, however, clearly demonstrates that any evidence verifying the existence of repression is characterized by its conspicuous absence.
The relevant data demonstrate that traumatic events are remembered more clearly and vividly compared to non-traumatic experiences. In actual cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, for example, people struggle with intrusive flashbacks of their traumatic experiences
Substantial numbers of therapists are more than ready to blame their clients' parents for their clients' problems. Their readiness to do so has been called "The Blame and Change" maneuver in psychotherapy. This tactic persuades patients that psychotherapy must "blame" you family in order to "change" you.
Therapists who resort to "blame and change" maneuvers typically do so without having had any contact with the people they indict. Without any first-hand knowledge of their patients' families, blaming those people ultimately amounts to stereotyping. This kind of stereotyping leads therapists into thinking of their clients' family members in exaggerated and extreme ways.
Convinced that their patients have somehow been betrayed by their families, therapists can lead those patients into creating false memories of childhood sexual abuse via suggestive questioning. The clients then become confused about what they are remembering, versus what they are only imagining.
In response to what is generally known as "Recovered Memory Therapy," the psychological welfare of patients deteriorates precipitously. Patients typically find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of more anger, and more imaginary memories.

If you are dealing with a claims of repressed memories, you may want to order any, or all, of the following publications authored by Dr. Campbell.

Therapeutic relationships and iatrogenic outcomes: The blame-and-change maneuver in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 1992, 29, 474-480. (Order article #5, cost $10.00).

Repressed memories and statutes of limitations: Examining the data and weighing the consequences. American Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, 1995, 16 (2), 25-51. (Order article #11, cost $12.00).

If you want further information about this topic, you can also order Dr. Campbell's book - Smoke and Mirrors: The Devastating Effects of False Sexual Abuse Claims - directly from Amazon.com.

Information regarding "Recovered Memory Therapy" is also available from the web site of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation.

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