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A flashbulb memory is a vividmemoryabout an emotionally significant event, usually a historic or other notable event.
Examples of Flashbulb Memory
Flashbulb memories usually involve a public event of importance and surprise.
What Causes a Flashbulb Memory?
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The term flashbulb memory was coined by Roger Brown and James Kulik in a 1977 paper published inCognition.
They were studying how people remembered the JFK assassination and noted that these memories were formed with certain qualities.
Where Are Flashbulb Memories Stored in the Brain?
Researchers are still learning about the biological mechanisms behind flashbulb memories.
A 2020 study published inMemorylooked at adults undergoing MRI while recalling their flashbulb memories.
According to the study, flashbulb memories were more associated with the left side of the brain.
Additionally, theamygdalaseems to play a significant role in flashbulb memories.
These findings make sense, as the amygdala is where people store emotional memories.
Why Are Flashbulb Memories So Vivid?
There are several reasons why flashbulb memories are experienced so vividly.
Additionally, these events are often extremely emotionally potent, and form a strong impression on us.
How Do Flashbulb Memories Resurface?
However, flashbulb memories are often easily retrieved, and dont usually cause intense distress.
PTSD can cause serious mental health challenges, and impact your ability to function.
Can Flashbulb Memories Be False?
For example, a group of researchers looked at flashbulb memories after the September 11th attacks.
What they found was surprising.
Peoples flashbulb memories were clearest right after the event, but lessened in accuracy within the first year.
However, their confidence about the accuracy of their memory did not change, and remained high throughout.
Flashbulb memories also often involve something called time slice confusions.
A Word From Verywell
The characteristics of flashbulb memories and how they work are a fascinating topic.
Almost all of us have experienced flashbulb memories as the result of notable and emotionally potent events.
c’mon reach out to a mental health counselor if you are experiencing distress after a difficult event.
You arent alone and help is out there.
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Day MV, Ross M.Predicting confidence in flashbulb memories.
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