Emotional memory

“Emotional memory” is shorthand for denoting the memory of experiences that evoked an emotional reaction. It is most commonly used to refer to the ability to consciously remember aspects of those experiences; in other words, the term is used to describe the effects of emotion on episodic memory.

1. What type of memory is emotional memory?
2. What is responsible for emotional memories?
3. How can I trigger my emotional memory?
4. Is emotional memory a thing?

What type of memory is emotional memory?

Just as the amygdala is involved in implicit emotional memory, the hippocampus is involved in explicit memory about emotional situations ( Figure 1). Thus, when emotionally aroused we form semantic and episodic memories about such situations.

What is responsible for emotional memories?

The reviewed research suggests that the amygdala, in combination with the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, plays an important role in the retrieval of memories for emotional events.

How can I trigger my emotional memory?

When a particular stimulus—a situation, an event, a person, or a thought—activates an emotional memory, it can be enjoyable or painful, although it may not be felt as intensely as the original experience of the emotion. A specific date, for example, may trigger emotional memories.

Is emotional memory a thing?

Most emotional memories are the result of cued recall. A certain date may trigger an emotional memory such as in the anniversary of a loss. But also anything that is connected to your senses may be a cue that can ignite emotional recall.