The Controversial Resurgence of Repressed Memories in Trauma Discourse
Does the body really ‘keep the score’ after trauma? How the debunked idea of ‘repressed memories’ is making a comeback

Image: The Conversation
The phrase 'the body keeps the score' popularized by Bessel van der Kolk's book suggests that trauma affects both memory and the body. While stress can impact physical health, the idea of repressed memories is controversial and has resurfaced, raising concerns about the potential for false memories through alternative therapies.
- 01Bessel van der Kolk's book, 'The Body Keeps the Score', claims that traumatic memories can be repressed and stored in the body, leading to physical symptoms.
- 02The concept of repressed memories has a contentious history, with significant debate among scientists regarding its validity.
- 03Research shows that stress from trauma can alter hormone levels, affecting physical health and potentially leading to PTSD.
- 04Alternative therapies suggested in the book, like yoga and psychedelic-assisted therapy, may help some individuals but raise concerns about the risk of implanting false memories.
- 05Recent studies indicate a growing belief in repressed memories among the public, with ongoing research in Australia exploring these perceptions.
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The phrase 'the body keeps the score' has gained popularity, largely due to Bessel van der Kolk's 2014 book, which argues that trauma can lead to repressed memories stored in the body. This idea is rooted in psychoanalytic theory and has sparked renewed debate, reminiscent of the 1990s 'memory wars' where clinicians disputed the validity of repressed memories. While it is acknowledged that trauma can affect the body through stress-related hormone changes, the claim that memories can be completely inaccessible and later recovered is contentious. Alternative therapies promoted in the book, such as yoga and psychedelic-assisted therapy, have potential benefits but also pose risks, particularly the possibility of creating false memories through suggestive techniques. Recent research indicates that belief in repressed memories is prevalent, with studies in the US and Australia suggesting these beliefs may be widespread. The resurgence of this idea raises concerns about the implications for mental health treatment and the accuracy of recovered memories.
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The resurgence of the idea of repressed memories could influence how trauma is treated, potentially leading to the use of therapies that may not be evidence-based.
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