False Memory Syndrome Foundation

False Memory Syndrome Foundation
FoundedMarch 1992[1]
FounderPamela and Peter Freyd
Dissolved2019
Type501(c)(3)
PurposeTo seek the reasons for the spread of false memory syndrome, to work for ways to prevent it, to aid those who were affected by it and to bring their families into reconciliation
Location
Key people
Pamela Freyd, PhD - Executive Director
WebsiteOfficial website

The False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) was a nonprofit organization founded in 1992[2] and dissolved in late 2019.

The FMSF was created by Pamela and Peter Freyd, after their adult daughter Jennifer Freyd accused her father of sexual abuse when she was a child.[3][4] The FMSF described its purpose as the examination of the concept of false memory syndrome and recovered memory therapy and advocacy on behalf of individuals believed to be falsely accused of child sexual abuse.[5] This focus included preventing future incidents, helping individuals and reconciling families affected by FMS, publicizing information about FMS, sponsoring research on it and discovering methods to distinguish true and false memories of abuse.[6] This initial group was composed of academics and professionals and the organization sought out researchers in the fields of memory and clinical practice to form its advisory board. The goal of the FMSF expanded to become more than an advocacy organization, also attempting to address the issues of memory that seemed to have caused the behavioral changes in their now-adult children.[7]

Mike Stanton in the Columbia Journalism Review stated that the FMSF "helped revolutionize the way the press and the public view one of the angriest debates in America—whether an adult can suddenly remember long-forgotten childhood abuse".[8] The FMSF originated and popularized the term false memory syndrome to describe a "pattern of beliefs and behaviors" which followed after participation in therapy intended to recover previously unknown memories.[9] The term recovered memory therapy was, in turn, originated as a catch-all term for the types of therapies that were used to attempt to recover memories, and observed to create false memories.[10] False memory syndrome is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,[11] as it is not a psychiatric diagnosis or illness, but it is included in public advisory guidelines relating to mental health.[12][13] The foundation believed that false memories devalued the tragedy of real abuse.[3][5][14]

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