NCJ Number
140660
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1992) Pages: 483-507
Date Published
1992
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Claims of repressed memories of child sexual abuse recovered in the course of therapy are not supported by credible scientific data, although civil litigation by adults suing parents and others for childhood sexual abuse are increasing.
Abstract
These memories are recovered with the help of therapists who use concepts such as repression and dissociation to account for the lack of memories and who then use techniques such as hypnosis and survivors' groups. Despite the lack of empirical research, psychologists or other mental health professionals who become involved in cases of involving recovered memories should use several criteria in assessing the probability or improbability of an allegation of recent remembered abuse. When no corroborating evidence exists, and the alleged behaviors are highly improbable, it is unlikely that the abuse actually happened. In addition, recovered memories of events during infancy, of highly deviant events, of ritual abuse by intergenerational satanic cults, or of abuse by a women are also less likely to be true. Furthermore, accusations that emerge only after reading "Courage To Heal," hypnosis, survivors' group participation, or dream analysis, are likely to be the result of the therapy. 127 references