Reports on sexual abuse by eating-disordered women before and after psychotherapy: a comparison of anamnestic and catamnestic data

The term "false memories" has been used to refer to suggestibility experiments in which whole events are apparently confabulated and in media accounts of contested memories of childhood abuse. Since 1992 psychologists have increasingly used the term "false memory" when discussing memory errors for details, such as specific words within lists. Use of the term to refer to errors in details is a shift in language away from other terms used historically (e.g., "memory intrusions"). We empirically examine this shift in language and discuss implications of the new use of the term "false memories." Use of the term presents serious ethical challenges to the data-interpretation process by encouraging over-generalization and misapplication of research findings on word memory to social issues.

show abstract

Dissociation and Compulsive Eating

Lightstone

2004

Journal of Trauma & Dissociation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ABSTRACT. Numerous investigators have noted a correlation between compulsive eating patterns and dissociative symptoms, but there is no systematic explanation for how these two phenomena interact. It is not uncommon for patients with compulsive eating patterns to experience previously dissociated memories of abuse and trauma, but there are no generally accepted interventions that address both the eating disorder and the traumatic experience. Furthermore, there are no commonly accepted guidelines for assessing trauma and dissociative symptoms in the many patients with intractable compulsive eating symptoms who may initially present with no traumatic history. This article presents theoretical formulations, a review of relevant research, and a model that suggests a causal relationship between dissociation and compulsive eating. Guidelines for assessment and intervention are proposed. The theoretical constructs in this paper are based on hunger-based symptom assessment and a feminist interpretation of object relations theory as it applies to compulsive eating and body shame.

show abstract

Reports on sexual abuse by eating-disordered women before and after psychotherapy: a comparison of anamnestic and catamnestic data

Cited by 3 publications

References 22 publications

Women with Eating Disorders and a History of Sexual Abuse: An Integrative Treatment Approach

Women with Eating Disorders and a History of Sexual Abuse: An Integrative Treatment Approach

What's in a Name for Memory Errors? Implications and Ethical Issues Arising From the Use of the Term "False Memory" for Errors in Memory for Details

Dissociation and Compulsive Eating

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About