False Memory SyndromeHow accurate and reliable is memory? “Studies on memory have shown that we often construct our memories after the fact, that we are responsive to suggestions from others that will help us fill in the gaps in our memories” (Carroll 6). Before reading and discussing the issue of False Memory Syndrome, I had not thought much about the subject. Perhaps someone who had experienced this would be more educated. However, I found the research very interesting and my beliefs or feelings about it now exist and will be shared later. The purpose of this article is to describe what false memory syndrome is and to summarize some of the facts that have been gathered during previous research and my own research. The definition of false memory syndrome, according to the Random House Compact Unabridged Dictionary, is a "psychological condition in which a person believes he remembers events that did not actually occur" (Freyd 3). Dr. John F. Kihlstrom , professor of psychology at Yale University, also suggests that fibromyalgia syndrome is a condition in which a person's identity and interpersonal relationships are centered on a memory of a traumatic experience that is objectively false, but which the person strongly believes in. This false memory is so deeply ingrained that it often interferes with the individual's personality and lifestyle. The disorder will sometimes be destructive as the individual will avoid any type of confrontation that might cause distress. This often prevents the person from coping with the challenges of everyday life (Freyd 2). Peter Freyd, formed the False...... middle of paper ......Works CitedPendergrast, Mark. Victims of memory: accusations of sexual abuse and shattered lives. Hinesburg: Upper Access, Inc. Ofshe, Richard and Ethan Watters. Creating monsters: false memories, psychotherapy and sexual hysteria. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1994. Carroll, Robert Todd. "Memory." The Skeptics' Dictionary. 1998. http://dcn.davis.ca.us/~btcarrol/skeptic/memory.html (December 1, 2000). Hochman, John, MD “Recovered Memory Therapy and False Memory Syndrome.” Altedena: Skeptics Society, 1994. http://www.skeptic.com/02.3.hochman-fms.html (November 20, 2000). Freyd, Pamela, Ph.D. “Frequently Asked Questions.” Philadelphia: False Memory Syndrome Foundation. September 1995. http://www.fmsfonline.com/fmsffaq.html. (November 20, 2000). Freberg, Laura. Stay!. Boulder: Coursewise Publishing Inc..., 1999.