Memory in psychology is the accumulation of certain processes that are directly responsible for the storage, accumulation, and, if necessary, reproduction of different types of information structures. Emotional memory is the accumulation and reproduction of an experienced emotional experience that is tightly “soldered” in the psyche to a specific event that caused an emotion.
How to manage this type of memory, develop and strengthen this ability? What are the functions of memory for feelings and emotions. Without the ability to remember a traumatic experience, a person would not be able to fully develop.
Types of memory: emotional memory
The famous psychologist P.P. Blonsky identified 4 main types of memory. The basis for the division of memory into motor, emotional, imaginative and logical is what mental activity is more pronounced in the process of memorization. So, memory happens:
- Motor - memorizing movements. Riding a bicycle, skating, knitting - all this is possible thanks to the work of motor, or otherwise, motor memory.
- Emotional - the ability to remember feelings and emotions associated with an object, event or phenomenon.
- Figurative - memory for images of nature, auditory or taste images, or conceptual constants formed as an abstract image.
- Verbal-logical. Remembering thought patterns, concepts embedded in words and connections between concepts. It develops when a child can already perceive abstract categories.
The memory of the verbal-logical type is the most complex and develops later than the other types, thanks to volitional efforts. If logical memory is well developed, then in an adult it becomes leading in all mental activity. Then a person can direct and control all the processes of memorization and reproduction.
As for emotional memory, it is precisely this process that plays a key role in the formation of a socialized personality. It is impossible to make decisions about your future activities without relying on your internal conditions. Without remembering the emotional state, a person would not be able to learn from his mistakes.
How does emotional memory work?
The work is based on the interaction of several structural elements: emotions themselves, positive or negative, feelings, thoughts and information that stimulates the thoughts and feelings of a person. They are closely interconnected and it is impossible to separate the components in the stream of consciousness. How does remembering emotions happen?
An experienced situation or phenomenon leaves a trace in the psyche called an engram. Emotions make it possible to determine how successfully our relationships with society are developing and whether personal relationships are successful. The stronger the emotion, the brighter and sharper the engram. Then a sudden reminder can awaken this trace in memory and “pull out” all the emotions. However, the strength and quality of the emotions reproduced again are different from the primary reaction. For example, after several years, the event, which upset, may already be perceived as a funny incident. This is due to the fact that the mental assessment of the event is already different.
In the process of memorization, a generalization of experiences often occurs. This means that the stimulus that triggered the experience over time is combined with other stimuli. From this, a person sometimes cannot clearly remember the real reason for his fear.
Emotional and imaginative types of memory
Emotional memory in a person is closely interconnected with images. Due to the fact that emotions color brighter than experienced events and captured samples, our brain is able to produce new images that did not exist. That is, to create objects of art and poetry.
Images can be visual, olfactory and even tasteful. Emotional images are best remembered by actors and poets. It is for these people that emotional memory is always leading. And just like in any other profession, you need to be able to manage images.
How are works of art formed? The role of emotional memory
People in creative professions are good at handling images. They need to be able to analyze and synthesize images, give annals and produce new ideas. Without constant attention to these intelligent processes; to accumulated emotional experience, the images will be vague. Accordingly, the actor will not be able to vividly reproduce them on stage.
Of great importance is the ability of each image to select a chain of similar images. All the great geniuses were able to keep in memory many such chains of emotional images, which they then embodied in music or drawing. This can be learned. Another important characteristic of the emotional memory of a creative person is a low threshold of sensitivity. The lower the threshold of emotional sensitivity, the more information about the world and other people a creative person can perceive and embody.
The physiological basis of memory
The existence of emotions was confirmed by science, when in the depths of the temporal lobe of the brain discovered a region called the tonsil. It is this part of the limbic system that is responsible for the emergence of emotions. But vegetative changes in the body under the influence of fear, for example, are the work of the hypothalamus. The processes occurring in the limbic system are of both electrical and biochemical nature; they affect the state of all organs and systems.
Emotions are therefore always accompanied by activation of the nervous system and a change in blood pressure.
Thanks to the limbic system, a living organism develops using motivation. Unconscious behavior is either directed to the place where the person receives reinforcement in the form of positive emotions, or is blocked when faced with fear or pain.
All strong emotions are fixed in memory due to the formation of synaptic connections. Various parts of the brain participate in the formation of a memory imprint:
- cerebral cortex: parietal part, temporal and frontal;
- the cerebellum is responsible for memorizing body movements;
- hippocampus;
- subcortical nodes.
Connections between neurons are not immediately established. The work of chemicals such as endorphins, calcium and enkephalins is important here. These substances - neurotransmitters - hormones that transmit impulses between neurons.
The process of memorization expends energy and proteins. Therefore, for good memory you need to eat well.
The development of emotional memory in children and adults
In order for this type of memory to develop better in a child, you need to help him “turn on” more often figurative thinking, carry him to interesting places and from the very childhood accustom him to the world of literature and theater.
In adults, one kind of memory already dominates, and the psyche is aimed at a certain type of activity. It is very difficult to change perceptions and begin to think differently for an adult mature personality. Nevertheless, everyone has an emotional memory, and you can try to develop it better and bring it to a conscious level.
What tasks need to be performed to develop this type of memory? Emotional memory is trained if every day, reading a book, write out on paper emotions that arise from the deed of this or that hero of a favorite book. Then try to analyze the inner world of the hero, conflict situations between him and society. You can choose a film for such an analysis.
Functions of Emotional Memory
Why is such a memory needed for someone who is not involved in creativity? The development of emotional memory is necessary for everyone, because a person without emotional experience is not interested in communication. In addition, such people are not able to empathize, share sore and in essence are very lonely in their lives. So, we can distinguish several functions:
- contributes to the development of personality;
- forms emotional intelligence;
- helps to better navigate in society, therefore teachers and directors of firms need it;
- affects the development of creativity.
Emotional Intelligence: Formation
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and control emotions. It is impossible to lead a team successfully without developing emotional intelligence. This is an important quality of true leaders.
A person with developed emotional intelligence is easy to recognize. He gets along well with people around him, as he understands both his own and others' emotions. He is always friendly and cheerful.
Conclusion
All behavior throughout life is built on the basis of the emotional experience of the individual. The basis for the division of memory into motor, emotional is that mental activity, which is often used by the individual.
The entire limbic system is responsible for maintaining and developing the emotional state. It includes: amygdala (amygdala), hypothalamus, mastoid, hippocampus, olfactory triangle, other structures. The memory is formed due to the synthesis of long-term connections between brain neurons.
Ability for creativity is, first of all, a developed figurative and emotional memory. The development of figurative memory is necessary for those who decide to devote themselves to literary, musical or acting creative activities.