We sought studies which have attempted to test whether memories
of childhood sexual abuse can be repressed. Despite our broad search
criteria, which excluded only unsystematic anecdotal reports, we found
only four applicable studies. We then examined these studies to assess
whether the investigators: (1) presented confirmatory evidence that
abuse had actually occurred; and (2) demonstrated that their subjects
had actually developed amnesia for the abuse. None of the four studies
provided both clear confirmation of trauma and adequate documentation
of amnesia in their subjects. Thus, present clinical evidence is
insufficient to permit the conclusion that individuals can repress
memories of childhood sexual abuse. This finding is surprising, since
many writers have implied that hundreds of thousands, or even millions
of persons harbour such repressed memories. In view of the widespread
recent public and scientific interest in the areas of trauma and
memory, it is important to investigate further whether memories of
sexual abuse can be repressed.