>>3226Yes. No need for a 'syndrome' when it's obvious in how memory and social influence works to begin with. Most people aren't very particular and a modification to their memory or, say, some memory mixing with an idea put in their head creating moreorless a false memory, is totally normal. And because it's 'remembered', it solidifies further. Reactionary pressure (such as having to present evidence and get things straight) makes you strengthen and 'cohere' it among your other memories, changing those too.
But I dare say any 'psychology weapon' that is used to discredit or obscure child abuse is always suspect. This is because such child abuse is not isolated but organised on a large scale. People have an interest in covering it up. Another example of this is the shoddy attempt to discredit dissociative identity disorder / multiple personality disorder. They tried to push the idea that it was just mere suggestion or false memory, the interviewer crafting it all. And this is a recurring idea in all of these cases. Except for the fact that they do have multiple personalities and lack full access to their memories which is why there is a thorough process of uncovering them and getting personalities who do not know eachother acquainted.
Regarding the McMartin article. Interviewing children who have suffered abuse is a long, careful process. Even an adult will struggle but for a kid it takes special care. I imagine the way it was handled is as described but the purpose behind it is likely to muddle truth and fiction, distort their accounts, and deny them a proper interview.
