THE MYTH OF REPRESSED MEMORY: False Memories...

THE MYTH OF REPRESSED MEMORY: False Memories and Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Dr. Elizabeth Loftus and Katherine Ketcham (St. Martin’s Griffin: $13.95; 290 pp.) A psychologist who studies the structure of memory, Loftus offers an introduction to a controversial phenomenon. Contrary to popular belief, she argues, human memory is rarely neat, linear or infallible; it is easily influenced by external factors, including drugs, media images and suggestion. Loftus recognizes that many children are abused in America, but argues that “repressed” memories of abuse are often false visions, implanted by overzealous therapists and pop culture gurus: No physical evidence has ever turned up to support the lurid charges involving satanic cults. Loftus presents an overview of the difficulties of separating real events from imaginary ones that an accuser may sincerely believe took place.