Trauma and Delayed Memory: A Review of the "Repressed Memories" Literature

Relationship of adolescent physical and sexual abuse to perimenstrual symptoms (PMS) in adulthood

Research is lacking regarding adolescent physical and sexual abuse and perimenstrual symptoms (PMS). This study examined the relationship between adolescent physical and sexual abuse and PMS in adult women. Secondary data analysis of a longitudinal study of a community sample of 568 women (35% underrepresented ethnicities), using the database "Nursing Assessment of PMS: Neurometric Indices," was performed. History of both adolescent physical abuse and sexual abuse was significantly associated with PMS in adulthood. Women with a history of adolescent physical and sexual abuse had significantly more severe PMS patterns with more dysphoria than women without abuse.

False allegations of abuse and neglect when parents separate

OBJECTIVE

The 1998 Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-98) is the first national study to document the rate of intentionally false allegations of abuse and neglect investigated by child welfare services in Canada. This paper provides a detailed summary of the characteristics associated with intentionally false reports of child abuse and neglect within the context of parental separation.

METHOD

A multistage sampling design was used, first to select a representative sample of 51 child welfare service areas across Canada. Child maltreatment investigations conducted in the selected sites during the months of October-December 1998 were tracked, yielding a final sample of 7,672 child maltreatment investigations reported to child welfare authorities because of suspected child abuse or neglect.

RESULTS

Consistent with other national studies of reported child maltreatment, CIS-98 data indicate that more than one-third of maltreatment investigations are unsubstantiated, but only 4% of all cases are considered to be intentionally fabricated. Within the subsample of cases wherein a custody or access dispute has occurred, the rate of intentionally false allegations is higher: 12%. Results of this analysis show that neglect is the most common form of intentionally fabricated maltreatment, while anonymous reporters and noncustodial parents (usually fathers) most frequently make intentionally false reports. Of the intentionally false allegations of maltreatment tracked by the CIS-98, custodial parents (usually mothers) and children were least likely to fabricate reports of abuse or neglect.

CONCLUSIONS

While the CIS-98 documents that the rate of intentionally false allegations is relatively low, these results raise important clinical and legal issues, which require further consideration.

Many ways of telling: expanding conceptualizations of child sexual abuse disclosure

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore influences that inhibit or promote child sexual abuse (CSA) disclosure.

METHOD

Face-to-face in-depth interviews of 24 female and male survivors of CSA were conducted, using the Long-Interview method to trace disclosure processes. Verbatim transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed by hand and by using a computerized data analysis system (N*Vivo). The results of this investigation identified several patterns of disclosure. Prolonged engagement, persistent observation, negative case analysis, and peer debriefing were among the techniques used to ensure the trustworthiness of data.

RESULTS

Through analysis of the interview data, previously undefined dimensions of disclosure emerged. First, three frequently used categories of 'accidental, purposeful, and prompted/elicited' disclosure types accounted for 42% of disclosure patterns in the study sample. However, over half the disclosure patterns described by research participants did not fit these previously established definitions. Results of the study facilitated expanding conceptualization of additional disclosure patterns to include behavioral and indirect verbal attempts, disclosures intentionally withheld, and disclosures triggered by recovered memories.

CONCLUSIONS

The author concludes that these supplementary definitions integrate complex facets of disclosure derived within the context of human development, memory and environmental influences. This expanded conceptualization provides professionals with a broader framework to understand and respond to child victims and adult survivor's disclosures more effectively.