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Why are bad memories so vivid?
Many people find that bad experiences stand out in the memory more than good ones. They intrude on our consciousness when we do not want them to.
Researchers have shown that bad memories really are more vivid than good ones, possibly due to the interaction between the emotions and the memories. This is particularly so when the emotions and memories are negative.
Neuroimaging has shown scientists that the process of encoding and retrieving bad memories involves the parts of the brain that process emotions, specifically the amygdala and the orbitofrontal cortex.
It seems the stronger the emotions associated with the memory, the more detail we will recall.
fMRI studies reveal greater cellular activity in these regions when someone is going through a bad experience.
-MedicalNewsToday-
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