The Body Keeps the Score

The book is based on van der Kolk's 1994 Harvard Review of Psychiatry article "The body keeps the score: memory and the evolving psychobiology of posttraumatic stress". The article was criticized by psychologist Richard McNally for its reliance on implicit memory and lacking evidence for some of its claims, and McNally offered a detailed critique in his 2003 book Remembering Trauma (pp. 177–82), concluding van der Kolk's theory was one "in search of a phenomenon". ==Overview==

In the book, van der Kolk focuses on the central role of the attachment system and social environment in protecting against developing trauma-related disorders. Where trauma does occur, he discusses the effects These include EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), yoga, and limbic system therapy. == Reception ==

After its publication in 2014, The Body Keeps the Score became one of the most prominent popular science books of its time, remaining a best-seller for years after its release and gaining wide readership among clinicians and the general public. It received a starred review from Library Journal. Reviewing the book for New Scientist magazine, Shaoni Bhattacharya wrote that "[p]acked with science and human stories, the book is an intense read that can get technical. Stay with it, though: van der Kolk has a lot to say, and the struggle and resilience of his patients is very moving." The book received a negative review in The Washington Post in 2023 for promoting "uncertain science". She reached out to multiple researchers of the original research the book cites for comments, and reported multiple researchers said The Body Keeps the Score distorted their research. The evidence the book presents regarding how trauma is "remembered" by the body is also weak. She also illustrates the book lacks considerations for broader social and political factors of violence and trauma. A 2025 review in BJPsych Bulletin evaluated the evidence of 122 claims in the book and concluded that while the book tapped into deep interest regarding trauma—and subsequently shaped patient and clinician expectations—its claims about "trauma-induced brain damage and the unique efficacy of body-based treatments" were not supported by current research. == References ==