The phrase "the body keeps the score" has become a popular catchphrase, often used to describe the physical impact of trauma and stress. While it's a catchy and memorable phrase, it's important to delve deeper into the origins and implications of this idea.
The Rise and Controversy of "The Body Keeps the Score"
The concept gained widespread attention through Bessel van der Kolk's book, "The Body Keeps the Score," which has enjoyed remarkable longevity on The New York Times bestseller list. The book's central claim is that traumatic memories are not only stored in the body but are also inaccessible to conscious memory, a notion that has sparked renewed interest in the idea of repressed memories.
This idea of repressed memories is not new; it has a long and contentious history, dating back to the "memory wars" of the 1990s. Back then, clinicians and memory researchers debated whether traumatic events could be completely forgotten, only to be recovered later in therapy. The theory, rooted in psychoanalytic thought, suggests that the mind represses traumatic experiences as a defense mechanism, removing them from conscious awareness while they continue to manifest as psychological symptoms.
Despite over a decade of research casting serious doubts on repression as a reliable mechanism, the debate was seemingly settled. However, the idea of repressed memories is making a comeback, with a twist - the claim now is that not only can traumatic memories be repressed, but the body stores them, and these memories can re-emerge through physical symptoms.
The Problem with Repressed Memories
The concern with this resurgence is twofold. Firstly, it suggests that healing from trauma requires "releasing" or "integrating" these hidden memories through alternative therapies, some of which lack empirical evidence. This can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, as seen in recent social media ads suggesting that nightmares or sleep troubles are due to forgotten trauma, and offering "trauma-informed" coaching programs for a fee.
Secondly, it shifts the focus away from the well-established scientific understanding of how memory works. Memory is not a simple recording device; it is reconstructed each time an event is recalled, influenced by context, emotions, and external factors. Suggestive therapy techniques, such as hypnosis and guided imagery, are particularly prone to implanting false memories. Major professional organizations have repeatedly warned about the potential for these techniques to create false memories.
Alternative Therapies and Their Risks
Van der Kolk's book promotes a range of alternative therapies for trauma, including yoga, psychodrama, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. While some of these approaches may be beneficial for certain individuals, the problem arises when they are claimed to help "access repressed memories."
Psychedelic-assisted therapy, in particular, raises specific concerns from a memory perspective. Research suggests that psychedelics can affect memory in worrying ways, making individuals more suggestible and prone to accepting ideas or stories as true, even if they originate from an external source. This combination of suggestibility and the powerful feeling of certainty can lead to the formation of false memories that individuals feel convinced have actually occurred.
A Broader Perspective
It's important to distinguish between the undeniable impact of trauma on the body and the specific claim about repressed memories. There is broad scientific agreement that stress associated with traumatic experiences can alter hormone levels, impacting various bodily systems. This can lead to physical symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, affected libido, and a heightened sense of danger.
For some individuals, trauma can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which involves physical symptoms like nausea, panic attacks, breathing difficulties, sleep troubles, and constant exhaustion from being "on guard." However, the claim that the body stores traumatic memories that can be "released" through specific therapies is not supported by the current scientific understanding of memory.
In conclusion, while the phrase "the body keeps the score" has captured the public imagination, it's crucial to separate the factual impact of trauma on the body from the controversial and potentially harmful idea of repressed memories. The scientific community's focus should remain on evidence-based treatments for trauma, ensuring that individuals receive effective care without the risk of exploitation or the implantation of false memories.
