False memory syndrome (FMS) refers to the recall of events that did not occur, often in psychotherapy sessions. Traumatic events, such as abuse, are typically associated with FMS. There is controversy surrounding FMS, with some believing the memories are false and others claiming it is used to discredit abuse allegations. Memories of childhood abuse that resurface in adulthood can devastate families. The False Memory Syndrome Foundation was created to study those who suffered from false claims of abuse. Memories can be distorted or fabricated, and the frequency of FMS is unknown, adding to the controversy.
False memory syndrome (FMS) is the term coined for the apparent recall of events that did not occur and which often occurs in psychotherapy sessions. Traumatic events, such as abuse, are typically referred to in the context of false memory syndrome. Retrieved memory therapy is a term used to describe the situation where a mental health professional can get patients to remember things that have been forgotten, or perhaps entirely false. There is a degree of controversy surrounding false memory syndrome, led on the one hand by those who believe such memories are in fact false, and on the other by those who claim that people who have committed abusive acts are using the FMS to discredit the allegations against them.
Much of the FMS controversy stems from the fact that the memories in question are said to be repressed and not remembered again until adulthood, long after the event has taken place. In a typical example, an adult recalls an event such as childhood sexual abuse by a parent or other authority figure, and does so while being treated by a psychologist. There are reports that those who have been falsely accused of abuse have in some cases suffered ill health or premature death due to the kind of stress such an accusation entails.
The effects of memories like these that come to the surface, whether they are real memories or not, are often the devastation of previously functioning families. The False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) was organized in 1992 by families and professionals who wanted to study those who had suffered from the spread of such claims, true or false. Those accused of incest in this scheme came together to find mutual support, the same way parents of children with disabilities do.
While it is certain that children are abused and that it is a serious social problem, unsubstantiated claims of abuse from decades past are at the heart of the false memory syndrome controversy. The nature of our memories is such that it is possible for events to be distorted or completely fabricated, without intentional deception. Unlike a video recorder that plays events exactly as they happened, memory depends not only on our initial accurate perception, but on our emotions surrounding an event, as well as other factors. Memories that a person claims to have repressed are often subject to an even greater degree of uncertainty. How often false memory syndrome occurs is unknown, which doesn’t help to spread the controversy around it.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
