false memory syndrome (FMS)

• is this a strength or weakness?

  weakness
• what is false memory syndrome?

  condition where person's identity & relationships are affected by strongly believed but false memories of traumatic experiences
• when can these false memories come to light?

  during psychoanalysis when the therapist claims to have uncovered past traumatic events
• what do supporters of FMS suggest?

  that patient is likely to succumb to the belief of the therapist, as they are authority figure
• what is some evidence on FMS?

  Toon et al (1996)
• what does Toon et al suggest?

  that therapists induce FMS so therapy will take longer & make more financial gain
• what is the result of FMS?

  patients may experience much anxiety because of events that didn't even happen
• therefore this is a weakness because...

  psychological harm may be induced into the client & again, the best interests of the client may be overlooked by financial gain of some analysts