PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES 1

Exploring Controversial Psychological Issues: Repressed Memories and Postpartum

Mental Illness in Criminal Cases

Priyansh Kaur

Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University

PSYC-2205-01: Abnormal Psychology

Dr. Stephen Perrott

December 6, 2024
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Memory Recall in Abuse Cases: Are Repressed Memories Reliable

What is the issue? Why is it contentious?

the accuracy of memories that resurface after a period of repression. Some psychologists

argue that repressed memories can be genuine, with traumatic events being blocked out by

the mind to protect the individual. Others believe that such memories are often inaccurate,

especially when retrieved through therapeutic techniques, which may be suggestive and lead

to false recollections. This issue becomes particularly contentious in legal contexts where

such memories are used as evidence in criminal cases.

What aspects of the issue are covered in your media piece?

A high-profile case involving repressed memories is that of the Mendez brothers, Erik

and Lyle, who murdered their parents in 1989. Their defense was based on the claim that they

had repressed memories of sexual abuse by their father, which emerged during therapy.

Media coverage of the case was heavily one-sided, focusing on the brothers' questionable

behavior post-murder, such as their lavish spending and initial denials of involvement. The

lack of physical evidence supporting their claims of abuse, coupled with their inconsistent

accounts, led many media outlets to dismiss their defense and question the validity of their

repressed memories.

What is your opinion regarding this controversy?

While repressed memories can be valid, especially for trauma survivors, they must

be treated with caution, particularly in criminal cases. The Mendez brothers’ case highlights

the complexities of using repressed memories as a defense. Their contradictory behavior,

such as spending large amounts of money after their parents' deaths and initially lying about

their involvement, raises doubts about the authenticity of their claims. Moreover, the media’s
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one-sided coverage, which focused on their behavior rather than exploring the psychology of

repressed memories, failed to offer a balanced perspective. In my opinion, repressed

memories should not be used as the sole evidence in criminal cases without additional

corroborating evidence. The potential for memory distortion in therapeutic settings calls for a

careful evaluation of such claims to prevent miscarriages of justice. While repressed

memories may be valid for some, they must be thoroughly investigated and supported by

concrete evidence to ensure fairness in legal proceedings.

The Responsibility of Women in Criminal Cases Involving Postpartum

Depression and Psychosis: The Case of Andrea Yates

Introduction:

The issue of criminal responsibility for women who kill their children while suffering

from postpartum depression and psychosis is highly controversial. In such cases, the extent to

which mental illness can reduce culpability is a subject of debate in both legal and

psychological contexts. Andrea Yates, a Texas mother who drowned her five children in 2001,

became a high-profile case that brought this issue to public attention. Her tragic actions were

the result of severe postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe form of mental illness that can

occur after childbirth, which raises questions about the criminal responsibility of individuals

suffering from such conditions.

Media Coverage and Position:

The Time article "A Mother No More" covers the devastating events surrounding

Andrea Yates’ crime, as well as the psychological and medical background of her condition.

The article provides an overview of Andrea's mental state, explaining how she suffered from

severe postpartum depression and psychosis during her pregnancies, with previous suicidal

attempts and hospitalizations. Despite this, she was left untreated or inadequately treated
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during her fifth pregnancy, which led to the tragic deaths of her children. The article reports

that Andrea was convinced she was a "bad mother" who had permanently damaged her

children, and she ultimately drowned them. While the article offers an in-depth understanding

of the medical circumstances, it is one-sided in its portrayal of Andrea’s mental illness. The

focus is on her suffering and the implications of postpartum psychosis, but the media does not

explore the potential negligence in medical and familial support, nor does it discuss how

these factors played into her actions. The report largely sympathizes with her illness,

presenting it as the primary cause of the crime, without fully exploring her personal choices

or the broader societal implications of untreated mental illness.

Personal Opinion and Implications:

In my view, Andrea Yates' case illustrates the complex intersection of mental illness

and criminal responsibility. On one hand, postpartum depression and psychosis are serious,

often debilitating conditions that can significantly impair a person’s ability to function. In

Andrea's case, her mental illness clearly contributed to her horrific actions. However, the

larger question remains: to what degree should her illness reduce her responsibility for killing

her children? While it is important to recognize the severity of postpartum psychosis, society

must also consider the role of medical care and family support. Given Andrea’s history of

mental illness and the failure to provide adequate psychiatric treatment during her fifth

pregnancy, there is a systemic failure in addressing her condition. Legal systems must

balance empathy for mental health conditions with the need for accountability. For

individuals suffering from mental illness, especially those with a history of postpartum

psychosis, preventive measures, consistent mental health care, and monitoring are critical.
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References
Noble, K. B. (1996, March 21). Menendez brothers guilty of killing their parents. The New

York Times [Link]

[Link]

Ripley, A. (2001, July 2). A mother no more. Time. [Link]

mother-no-Ripley, A. (2001, July 2). A mother no more. Time.

[Link]