Memory is based on multiple concepts that affect us. Mood congruent memory is a situation where one recalls things based on the current status of the mood. This means that if you are happy, you recall moments that you were happy and if currently you are depressed, you recall such moments when you were once depressed. Emotions affect our memory thinking when we recall things. How you remember an experienced is affected by the emotions you have.
Gordon bower first gave the idea of effect of current emotions to the recalled events. They noted to recall events with same emotional state as their current emotions. This state of mind enables us to remember particular events that ever happened in our lives based on the current mood.our brain is programmed in such a way that we can recall bad things that happened to us but we do not recall things happening presently. This means that our emotions affects our memory thinking in a greater perspective.
This irritable mood shows that it assisted many of us to deal with such situations back in our historical life.such memories prepare us for any dangerous event we might face and enable us to face it. Happy memories give us relaxation mood and a sense that no danger ahead of us.
How do our brain perceive emotional memory?
Research have shown that our brains gives much attention to emotional responses. Studies were once conducted where brain images were displayed. Some showed neutral images while other images showed traces f injuries. This denotes that we are likely affected emotionally by bad things that happen and recall them. today, A lot of things happen before a day ends. Something that affects our emotions is set apart from our brain and thus recalled better.
Brain and emotions
As we all know,it is difficult to understand how brain works. Brain functions under various concepts of which we lack knowledge off. Emotions must be processed by the brain in order to recall them. Consequently, two regions in the brain that process emotions and memories might be an answer to us. These are Hippocampus and Amygdale regions. There must be a connection between the two regions concerning processing of information. The fact known is that Amygdale regulates the activities taking place at Hippocampus. With this, the formation and processing of new information is affected.
Retrieval and rehearsal of memories
As we said earlier, current emotions affects how we recall the memories. If you are exploring some new place, you recall similar experiences that happened earlier. Likewise, if you are in sad mood, you are likely to remember the sad moments of your life. As such, this may worsen your emotional status.
Fading of memories
This is when we forget certain memories we learn to forget negative memories and recall The positive ones in our lives. Research shows that older people tend to recall positive memories and forget negative memories. This is why most of us yearn for nostalgia and live it again.
Memories affects our emotions in an intense way, To help cope with this, seek a therapist who will assist you.