Memory in psychology is an accumulation of certain processes that are directly responsible for storing, accumulating, and, if necessary, reproducing different types of information structures. Emotional memory is the accumulation and reproduction of the experienced emotional experience, which is tightly "soldered" in the psyche with the specific event that caused the emotion.
How to manage this kind of memory, develop and enhance this ability? What are the functions of memory on feelings and emotions. Without the ability to remember traumatic experiences, a person would not be able to fully develop.
Types of memory: emotional memory
The famous psychologist P. P. Blonsky singled out 4 main types of memory. The basis for the division of memory into motor, emotional, figurative and logical is what kind of mental activity is more clearly expressed in the process of memorization. So, memory happens:
- Motor - memorization of movements. Cycling, skating, knitting - all this is possible through workmotor, 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 gustatory images, or conceptual constants, formed in the form of an abstract image.
- Verbal-logical. Memorization of mental images, concepts embedded in words and connections between concepts. Develops when the child can already perceive abstract categories.
Memory of the verbal-logical type is the most complex and develops later than other types, thanks to volitional efforts. If logical memory is well developed, then in an adult it becomes the leading one in all mental activity. Then a person can direct and control all the processes of memorization and reproduction.
As for emotional memory, it is this process that plays a key role in the development of a socialized personality. It is impossible to make decisions about your future activities without relying on your internal states. Without remembering the emotional state, a person would not be able to learn from their mistakes.
How emotional memory works
The work is based on the interaction of several structural elements: the actual emotions, positive or negative, feelings, thoughts and information that stimulates the thoughts and feelings of the individual. They are closely interconnected and it is impossible to separate the components in the stream of consciousness. How are emotions memorized?
An experienced situation or phenomenon leaves a trace in the psyche, called an engram. Emotions determine how successful our relationships with society are and whether personal relationships are successful. The stronger the emotion, the brighter and clearer the engram. Then a sudden reminder can awaken this trace in the memory and "pull out" all emotions. However, the strength and quality of the emotions reproduced again differ from the initial reaction. For example, after a few years, an event that upset you can 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, generalization of experiences often occurs. This means that the stimulus that caused the experience is eventually combined with other stimuli. Because of this, a person sometimes cannot clearly remember the real reason for his fear.
Emotional and figurative types of memory
Emotional memory in humans is closely related to images. Due to the fact that emotions color more vividly experienced events and captured patterns, our brain is able to produce new images that did not exist. That is, to create art and poetry.
Images can be visual, olfactory and even gustatory. 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.
Howworks of art are formed? The role of emotional memory
People of creative professions operate well with images. They need to be able to analyze and synthesize images, give analogies and produce new ideas. Without constant attention to these mental processes; to the accumulated emotional experience, the images will be vague. Accordingly, the actor will not be able to reproduce them vividly on stage.
The ability to select a chain of similar images for each image is important. All 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.
Physiological basis of memory
The existence of emotions was confirmed by science when an area called the amygdala was discovered deep in the temporal lobe of the brain. This part of the limbic system 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 both electrical and biochemical in nature; they affect the state of all organs and systems.
Emotions are therefore always accompanied by activation of the nervous system and changeblood pressure.
Thanks to the work of the limbic system, a living organism develops using motivation. Behavior is unconsciously either directed where the person is reinforced by positive emotions or blocked when faced with fear or pain.
All strong emotions are fixed in memory through the formation of synaptic connections. Different parts of the brain are involved in the formation of a memory imprint:
- cerebral cortex: parietal, temporal and frontal;
- the cerebellum is responsible for remembering body movements;
- hippocampus;
- basic nodes.
Connections between neurons are not established immediately. The work of chemicals such as endorphins, calcium and enkephalins is important here. These substances are neurotransmitters - hormones that transmit impulses between neurons.
The process of memorization consumes energy and proteins. Therefore, for a good memory, you need to eat well.
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” figurative thinking more often, take him to interesting places and accustom him to the world of literature and theater from childhood.
Adult people already have one type of memory that dominates, and the psyche is directed to a certain type of activity. It is very difficult for an adult, formed personality to change perception and start thinking differently. However, everyone has an emotional memory, and you can try to develop it better andbring to a conscious level.
What tasks do you need to do to develop this type of memory? Emotional memory is trained if every day, while reading a book, write down on paper the emotions that arise from the act of one or another hero of your 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.
Emotional memory functions
Why is such a memory needed for someone who is not engaged 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 their pain and, in fact, are very lonely in their lives. So, there are several functions:
- promotes personal development;
- builds emotional intelligence;
- helps to better navigate the society, so teachers and company directors need it;
- affects the development of creativity.
Emotional Intelligence: Shaping
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand emotions and control them. Without the development of emotional intelligence, it is impossible to lead a team successfully. This is an important quality of true leaders.
A person with a developed emotional intelligence is easy to recognize. He gets along well with people around him, as he understands both his own and other people's emotions. He is always friendly and cheerful.
Conclusion
All behavior throughout lifeis built on the basis of the emotional experience of the individual. The basis for the division of memory into motor, emotional is the mental activity that is more often used by a person.
The entire limbic system is responsible for maintaining and developing the emotional state. It includes: amygdala (tonsil), hypothalamus, mastoid body, hippocampus, olfactory triangle, and other structures. Memory is formed due to the synthesis of long-term connections between brain neurons.
The ability to be creative is, first of all, a developed figurative-emotional memory. The development of figurative memory is necessary for those who decide to devote themselves to literary, musical or acting creative activity.
